Measuring a Common Space and the Dynamics of Reform Positions

One of the major challenges in testing spatial models of reform policy-making is the placement of different actor groups on common preference scales. The goal of our research project is to develop a method for producing a dynamic common space of reform positions of parties, voters, and the media, so that preference estimates become comparable across actor groups and over time. During the first project phase, we will focus on the development of the models and on two empirical applications for Germany. First, we will combine voter surveys, candidate surveys, and party position data. Second, we will use interest group mentions in party press releases and media reports as bridging observations to estimate a common space of parties and media.