CONCEPTIONS OF REPRESENTATION.

Using Q-technique, we examined conceptions of representation among a sample of delegates to the 1984 Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Analysis of the data revealed four perspectives on representation in the sample: the "trustee," the belief that group interests should be represented, the belief that representation is a matter of the representative's conscience, and the "delegate-servant." Surprisingly, no delegates saw themselves as representatives of party officials or presidential candidates. We conclude that representation is a subjective process and should be examined from that perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]