How do salience and intensity differ regarding public opinion?

Salience and intensity are two distinct concepts in the study of public opinion, and the answer correctly highlights this difference. Intensity refers to how strongly individuals feel about an issue. For instance, if someone feels passionately about climate change, their intensity regarding this topic is high. This strength of feeling can motivate individuals to act, advocate, or express their opinions fervently.

On the other hand, salience pertains to the relevance or prominence of an issue in the public's mind. An issue can be highly salient because it is widely discussed or perceived as critical at a certain time, regardless of how strongly individuals may feel about it. For example, healthcare might be a salient issue during election cycles, capturing widespread attention, yet the intensity of individual opinions may vary significantly.

This distinction is essential in understanding how the public prioritizes issues and acts upon them. While an issue can be very salient and grab broad attention, the degree of intensity with which people feel about it can differ widely, influencing political behavior and public policy.