Which phenomenon involves increased media attention and coverage for candidates who poll well?

• A. Confirmation bias
• B. Bandwagon effect
• C. Spiral of silence
• D. Selection bias

Answer: (B)

The bandwagon effect in political media coverage is the idea that media attention tends to follow poll leaders. When a candidate polls well, outlets expect greater audience interest and devote more airtime and stories to them. That increased coverage can boost visibility, sway undecided voters, trigger more donations and endorsements, and help sustain the lead in a self-reinforcing cycle. This is different from confirmation bias (seeking information that supports preconceptions), the spiral of silence (people staying quiet about their views in public), or selection bias (sampling errors in polls). The described phenomenon—frontrunners receiving more media attention because they poll well—best fits the bandwagon effect.