Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Voting Advice Applications

We review the influence of voting advice applications (VAAs) on three core outcomes: turnout, vote choice, and issue knowledge. In a meta-analysis 55 effects reported in 22 studies, comprising 73,673 participants 9 countries, we find strong evidence for positive VAA usage turnout (OR = 1.87; 95% CI [1.50, 2.33]) choice 1.44; [1.16, 1.78]) as well modest knowledge increase (partial correlation 0.09; [−0.01, 0.18]). At same time, observe large heterogeneity effect sizes, which study design turns out to be key driver. Effects are substantively weaker causally more rigorous experimental studies. highlight need well-powered research studies focusing acquisition usage.