Evaluating TV Debate between Torsten Albig and Daniel Günther

Who will emerge the convincing candidate: State Premier Torsten Albig of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), or his challenger, Daniel Günther of the Christian Democratic Party (CDU)? Which of the two politicians is more credible? Who seems more competent? Voters in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein will for the first time have an opportunity to express their opinion of the two leading candidates and their arguments, live, during the televised debate. Researchers at the University of Freiburg have developed the web app "debat-o-meter." It allows viewers of the debate to evaluate the contest as it unfolds.

The team is looking for participants who are interested in evaluating the debate live. All the viewers need to take part is a smartphone or another type of terminal, such as a tablet or computer. Taking part in the study is anonymous and no installation of software is necessary. Online surveys will be administered before and after the actual assessment. The broadcaster NDR will air the debate on Tuesday, 25 April 2017, at 9:00 p.m.

Televised debates between rival candidates are the main media event of every election campaign. In front of audiences numbering in the hundreds of thousands or even millions, the politicians can take up positions, exchange arguments and attempt to convince the voters of their viewpoints. The televised discussion offers viewers an opportunity to compare the politicians and their policies directly. The Freiburg research team is using participants' assessments to improve their ability to evaluate political trends and state elections in Schleswig-Holstein. The results of the evaluation will be published as well.

Registration and information
www.debatometer.com
info@debatometer.com


Contact:
Prof. Dr. Uwe Wagschal
Department of Political Science
University of Freiburg
0761/203-9361
E-Mail: uwe.wagschal@politik.uni-freiburg.de