A survey of 15,000 voters found that white Americans tend to prefer people of their own race, with over 70% showing implicit racial bias. The research team measured unconscious racial attitudes using the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and found a significant pattern among eligible white voters.
Researchers found that peer group opinions carry weight when it comes to decisions about distant and abstract issues, but individual views become more influential as an election nears. The study suggests that people are always influenced by what others think, but the timing of these influences can vary greatly.
Recent studies examine the costs of forgiveness in marriage, attachment processes affecting health, racial bias in perceiving pain, and how individuals choose to remain ignorant about potentially upsetting information. Researchers also investigate the role of race in shaping attitudes toward Barack Obama's election.
A new study published in American Politics Research suggests that attack ads sponsored by independent groups are more persuasive and less likely to trigger backlash. The research found that voters punish politicians for sponsoring negative ads, but do not hold the independent groups accountable for their content.
Recent studies investigate the effects of Obama's presidency on racism in US politics, with experts analyzing topics such as citizenship, belonging, and racial identity. The findings suggest that Obama is often viewed as black rather than multiracial, highlighting the persistence of racial schemas in shaping public perceptions.
A new study explores the moral ideas behind tax aversion in America, finding that middle-class feelings of exploitation drive hostility towards taxation. Respondents associate income tax with a violation of the moral principle that hard work should be rewarded.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that experience-taking, feeling emotions and thoughts of a character as one's own, can lead to real changes in readers' lives. In experiments, people who identified with characters who overcame obstacles or experienced prejudice showed improved attitudes and behavior.
A study by Brown University researchers found that voter identification requirements have a negative impact on voting participation among Blacks and Hispanics, but boost turnout among Asians. The authors suggest that attention should be focused on the contexts of participation faced by each group.
A new study from Northwestern University suggests that people consistently believe their preferred candidate will win an election, even if they're behind in the polls. The false consensus effect, a psychological phenomenon, is thought to be driving this trend.
A new study from Rice University and Clemson University found that hand counting of votes can result in error rates of up to 2 percent, emphasizing the importance of well-specified manual auditing procedures. The research also showed that division of labor among group counting members can help reduce errors.
A new study analyzing 40 years' worth of voter data suggests that Americans perceive more political polarization than actual differences exist between parties. Contrary to popular belief, those who perceive greater polarization are more likely to engage in politics, attend rallies, or donate to a party.
A Baylor University study finds that people who vote near churches report more conservative attitudes and negativity toward non-Christians. This suggests that the location of polling places can shape voter behavior and may impact election results. The study's findings have implications for how our surroundings influence our attitudes.
A study by Juan Rodríguez Teruel found that half of Spanish ministers are specialists in their field and have a university degree, challenging the notion of low ministerial qualifications. The study also revealed that most ministers hold power for short periods, often changing offices after three years or less.
Moderate voters tend to cast protest votes to express discontent, whereas extreme left and right voters rarely do. The study reveals that protest voters show their unhappiness by voting for a party further from their preference, aiming to influence the other party's direction.
A Brigham Young University study found that voters who go against the neighborhood norm have less confidence in ballot privacy, with 30% less confidence. Election officials' shift to new voting technology has increased concerns among some voters about privacy.
Michael LeFevre, a renowned family medicine leader, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine. As a distinguished expert in prevention, detection, and treatment of high blood pressure, he will contribute to evidence-based medicine and improve health care outcomes.
Recent presidential and congressional elections reveal a correlation between climate change policy stances and electoral success. Voters favor candidates taking 'green' positions on climate change, while those expressing skepticism lose support.
Researchers found that a one-second delay in video calls can actually help participants communicate better when discussing emotionally charged topics. The delay forces people to make more effort to follow each other, reducing frustration and improving accuracy in reading emotions.
A new study found that Dutch voters tend to think people who don't cast a ballot support their own party. This phenomenon allows voters and politicians to exaggerate the influence or size of their own party. The researchers suggest that this occurs due to social validation and a desire to promote one's party's success.
Researchers found that voting induces emotional arousal and raises cortisol levels, which can influence decision making. The study suggests a link between stress and voter turnout, particularly among those with unpopular candidates.
Researchers evaluate the usability of mobile voting systems on smartphones, finding that participants with smartphone experience complete tasks more accurately. The study suggests designing mobile voting systems to accommodate inexperienced voters' mental models to increase usability and accuracy.
A recent study published in American Political Research found that English language ads had a greater impact on Latino voter turnout compared to Spanish language ads. The study also showed that English language materials drew in a broader voter demographic and were effective across all levels of Latino voters.
A study by Penn State researchers found that people who view negative political ads perceive the ads as having a greater influence on others than themselves. The experiment showed that both supporters and opponents of a presidential candidate believe the ads affect others more than they are affected by them.
Researchers found that conservative candidates used Twitter to convey a coherent message on economic issues and were more cohesive in their messaging. The study also showed that analyzing Twitter activity can predict election winners with high accuracy.
A new study by MIT researchers reveals that low-information voters are most influenced by candidate appearances, with the effect being stronger among those who watch a lot of television. The study found a nearly 5% increase in votes for candidates with a 10-point advantage in appearance ratings among uninformed voters.
A Stanford University study found that Democratic and Independent voters support candidates who take a 'green' position on climate change, while Republican voters remain unaffected. The results suggest that taking a 'green' stance can be a cost-free strategy for candidates of either party.
A study found that voting in elections increases cortisol levels, a hormone released under pressure, and affects decision-making. Voting was also emotionally arousing, with both positive and negative effects.
Despite state laws limiting collective bargaining, teacher unions have increased their political power through campaign contributions to candidates for state office. This allows them to exert significant influence on education policy, including teacher pay and evaluation policies.
A Clemson University research team, led by Juan Gilbert, has been awarded a $4.5 million grant to create an accessible voting technology system. The Prime III software allows voters to cast ballots by touch or voice, and includes advances in four areas: accessibility, simplicity, verification, and administration.
A Rutgers-Camden psychologist studied how internet users celebrated political wins with visits to porn sites, finding a significant link between male testosterone levels and vicarious winning. The research used Google trends data and estimated that 90% of porn use is attributed to men.
CMAJ states that Canada's federal election should prioritize quality health care delivery over sustainability. The six aspects of high-quality care include safety, effectiveness, patient-centred care, timeliness, efficiency, and equity. A national electronic health record system is vital to ensuring quality care.
Researchers found that viewers were heavily influenced by a continuous response tracking measure called the 'worm', which can compromise democratic decision-making. The study suggests that biased worms in live debates could determine election outcomes.
A study published in PLoS One found that viewers were heavily influenced by the 'worm', a continuous response tracking measure used in live debates. The researchers concluded that the worm's small sample size makes it vulnerable to manipulation and compromises the public's ability to form independent opinions.
Researchers found that Republican and Democratic narratives about the American South shaped the way Americans view themselves. Dr. Christina Moss argues that these narratives effectively marginalized African-Americans by defining regional identity in terms of white voters' control over power.
A new study by Ohio State University researcher R. Kelly Garrett found that using the internet generally doesn't make people more likely to believe political rumors, but e-mail does. E-mails from friends and family are more likely to be believed than online sources like websites and blogs.
A study published in Psychological Science found that states with higher physical activity rates tend to have higher voter turnout. Researchers created an 'action-tendency index' using data on exercise, diabetes rates, and other factors, which roughly matched voter turnout in the 2004 election.
A new study found that people's personalities play a significant role in determining their future emotional reactions, contrary to predictions made about external events. Positive individuals tend to be more accurate in forecasting their own happiness due to their natural disposition.
The documentary explores post-election violence in Kenya, highlighting the role of universities and students in the conflict. The film reveals how a proposed land deal between tribes sparked widespread unrest, resulting in over 1,200 deaths.
A study by UT professors found that firms engaging in corporate political activities enjoy a 20% higher performance. However, the researchers express concern that this increased activity constrains natural market forces and is undesirable.
A comprehensive review of national opinion polls shows that prospective voters have divergent views on the future of health reform legislation, mirroring Congressional leaders' positions. Nearly three-fourths of registered Democrats support the law, while 80% of Republicans oppose it.
A University of Chicago study by Prof. Cathy Cohen reveals that black youth are politically involved, critical of rap music and skeptical of the post-racial era. Despite facing structural racism and limited opportunities, they demonstrate agency in shaping their life options.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that television coverage significantly influenced public interest in the Obama-Muslim rumor, leading to increased online searches. Newspaper coverage had little effect, as articles effectively dispelled the rumor and reduced online searches.
A study found that divisive primaries held after mid-April negatively impact incumbent general election performance, particularly those held close to the election. Challengers struggle to recover from primary battles due to limited time and resources.
A University of Florida study found that only a third of respondents were upset by racial sentiments, while two-thirds took pride in a black candidate's ability to win the nomination and presidency. The study suggests that racism is still present but not as significant a factor in politics as it might be in other areas.
A Brigham Young University study shows that voters are less objective in evaluating their governor's economic performance if the White House is controlled by the opposing political party. The analysis found that voters overestimate the policy success of the level of government their preferred party controls, leading to rosier assessmen...
A new study finds that presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates among voters. In states where the majority supported the winner, suicide rates decreased, but more dramatically in states where the majority supported the loser, with a 4.6% lower rate for males and 5.3% for females.
Researchers found that right-handers favor their dominant hand for positive ideas and non-dominant hand for negative thoughts. Conversely, left-handers use their left hand for positive expressions and right hand for negative ones. These findings suggest people link 'good' with the side of their body they can use most fluently.
The new system integrates optical scanning, data processing, and encryption with manual ballot paper writing, ensuring total vote-counting accuracy. It also allows voters to verify their vote without revealing how they voted.
A new encryption scheme developed by Professor Nigel Smart allows for computations to be performed on encrypted data, enabling secure storage and access of sensitive information. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medical care research and electronic voting, while maintaining patient privacy.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield created a unique map showing General Election results based on population data. The map provides an alternative perspective by reflecting where people live in the country, enabling a better understanding of voting preferences and population density.
A recent study found that local newspapers have a significant impact on electoral accountability by providing voters with crucial information about their representatives. In areas where members of Congress receive extensive coverage in local newspapers, voters are more informed and representatives tend to be more constituent-centered.
The Lancet Editorial praises DFID's global health successes, including education and undernutrition strategies, but criticizes intragovernmental tensions and fragmentation of responsibilities. The publication calls for a post-election independent review to address these issues and ensure the department's continued success.
A new study by Georgia State University professor Sean Richey found that residents of states with more government corruption have less trust in the general public. Increases in corruption before a survey were taken lead to decreases in belief that government officials and ordinary citizens are trustworthy.
A University of Missouri researcher found a correlation between increased voter turnout in school board elections and state assessment scores. However, candidate competition and graduation rates have a negative correlation, suggesting low levels of citizen involvement in the education community.
A recent study found that older voters may not necessarily favor Republicans in future presidential elections. Factors such as partisan leanings, candidate ages, and racial identities are thought to influence seniors' voting choices. In contrast, baby boomers entering the old age category may have different political preferences.
EMBO has elected 66 top-life scientists with expertise in various molecular biology fields, including evolutionary and computational biology. The new members come from 16 countries and include 15 female researchers recognized for their contributions to life science research.
A study by researchers at Duke University and the University of Michigan found that men who voted for McCain or Barr experienced a significant drop in testosterone levels after the election results were announced. In contrast, Obama voters showed stable testosterone levels. The study suggests that vicarious participation in elections c...
A recent study reveals that white working-class voters in the US reject Democratic candidates despite disliking Republican policies due to an 'appropriate' attitude toward personal wealth. This framework, marked by down-to-earth qualities and a perception of moral fiber, is more important than economic interests.
Computer scientists demonstrate that hackers can steal votes using a malicious programming approach called return-oriented programming. The study shows that even voting machines designed to resist takeover can be compromised if not updated with the latest security patches.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have created a 'hedonometer' that measures global happiness by analyzing millions of online blog posts. The study found that Election Day 2008 was the happiest day in four years, while the death of Michael Jackson was one of the unhappiest. The method uses a standardized scale to assign happines...