Research reveals a 23% increase in online incivility among Congresspeople from 2009-2019, with more inflammatory tweets receiving more likes and retweets. Politicians who received reinforcing feedback from likes and retweets subsequently engaged in more uncivil tweeting.
A University of Utah-led study examines cooperation networks in the Utah State Legislature, finding that politicians tend to work with colleagues from their own political and gender groups. The researchers discovered a high rate of reciprocation, with members of the same gender increasing the likelihood of future cooperation.
Research led by Binghamton University faculty suggests that party polarization precedes voter polarization in countries outside the US. The study of 19 democracies from 1971 to 2019 found that more engaged and informed citizens follow parties' lead on political issues.
A new study finds that 'hawkish' politicians who adopt tough policies to re-elect themselves often inflame global conflicts. Researchers modelled a land dispute scenario and found that voters favoring ideology over ability tend to support hawkish leaders, leading to tougher settlements and increased conflict probability.
A new study investigated changes in physicians' voting behavior between 2000-2020 using nationally representative data. Physicians were found to be growing more engaged in the political process, particularly through voting, with higher turnout in states allowing no-excuse mail-in voting.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a mathematical model to describe global climate target achievement and predict unanimity in climate talks. The model shows how countries influence each other over time, highlighting the importance of inclusive plenary sessions and informed parties.
A new study suggests that strictly limiting exposure to dissimilar views could be an effective mechanism for avoiding rapid polarization. Another interesting finding is that a small amount of self-interest can dramatically reduce polarization.
Polarization in politics and social networks is a complex system that undermines cooperation and diversity, threatening democracy's resilience. The studies examine how polarization arises from individual actions and interactions, leading to a loss of diverse perspectives and solutions.
New Cornell University research suggests that social connections can distort voting behavior, favoring minority candidates. The study found that complacency and dejectedness – conditions caused by social connections – can skew election outcomes.
A new study models election dynamics using physics, accounting for conformist, contrarian, and inflexible voters. The model finds that short-term campaigns are effective in electorates with only conformist agents, while long-term campaigns are more effective in electorates with strong local dominance.
A new study found that Republican control of state legislatures is associated with increased infant mortality rates, especially among Black infants. The research suggests that the party's influence on social determinants of health, such as safety-net programs and minimum wage, contributes to these disparities.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2021
A recent study at Brown University found that intolerance to uncertainty exacerbates polarization in both liberals and conservatives. The researchers measured brain activity while participants watched real political debates and news broadcasts, finding that neural responses diverged between individuals with different ideological beliefs.
A new method developed by Cornell University researchers can inject fairness into political redistricting. The 'Fairmandering' data tool creates billions of potential electoral maps for each state and then algorithmically identifies possibilities meeting desired criteria for fairness.
Research analyzed popular picture books for depictions of political issues, leaders, and processes. The study found a lack of information on voting and protesting, as well as limited representation of democratic leaders. Picture books could be an opportunity for early education about politics and democracy.
A new study suggests that Democrats' greater inclusiveness and willingness to integrate members of other groups into their party may have weakened party cohesion, ultimately leading to Hillary Clinton's election defeat. Republicans, on the other hand, displayed solidarity only with their own group, enabling them to act as a single entity.
Research by Santa Fe Institute Omidyar Fellow Marion Dumas shows that citizen lawsuits can re-shape how policies are implemented on the ground, forging a more just and representative middle ground. This process weakens polarized lawmakers' bargaining positions, leading to legislative moves towards a middle ground.
A study found that satirical news reinforces pre-existing attitudes as much as serious news, with liberal views strengthened by liberal satire. However, conservative views were undermined by conservative satire, affecting political efficacy differently for Democrats and Republicans.
A study found that most partisans prioritize winning elections over policy or ideological goals, leading to increased partisan hostility and uncivil attitudes. The researchers analyzed survey data from the 2010 Cooperative Congressional Election Study and found that loyalty to the party is a primary motivator for many partisans.
A study by North Carolina State University found that perceived media bias on specific issues can increase political engagement, while general bias may lead to apathy. Researchers discovered a direct link between biased views on stem cell research and increased political action.
A study of physician voter turnout found that only lawyers and farmers were more likely to vote than physicians, who reported similar rates to secretaries, waiters, drivers, laborers, nurses, and engineers
A recent study by George Y. Bizer found that individuals who report 'opposition' to a candidate show less attitude change than those who state 'support'. The study suggests that opposition can strengthen one's opinion, making it more difficult to change.
Researchers found that reporters use metaphors to describe gentrifying neighborhoods as living organisms needing salvation, while low-income areas are rarely mentioned. The study's findings suggest that reporters' representations 'legitimize gentrification at actual or anticipated sites of restructuring'.
The American Geophysical Union has selected its 26th Congressional Science Fellow, OHSU student Amerson, who will spend a year working in Congress. She aims to apply her expertise in environmental science to inform sound public policy.