Articles tagged with Public Opinion
New research reveals that people in CNM relationships report experiencing a negative stigma that takes a toll on their psychological distress. A thematic analysis of survey responses identified four themes: discomfort/disapproval, loss of resources/threatening behavior, devaluation/diminishing of character/relationship.
A new study published in The Journal of Rural Health found that urban men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to get vaccinated and tested for Mpox than their rural counterparts. The study also revealed that rural MSM perceived themselves as less susceptible to the disease and had lower intention to be vaccinated.
A national study found that Americans are moving to regions with the greatest risk of wildfires and significant summer heat, despite climate change projections. The top migration destinations were cities in the Pacific Northwest, parts of the Southwest, Texas, Florida, and the Southeast, which already face significant wildfire risks.
A pre-pandemic conspiratorial mindset was associated with hesitance to accept COVID-19 vaccines, a new study suggests. Individuals who held conspiracy theories prior to the pandemic were more likely to believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and report hesitancy to be vaccinated.
A new study from The Primals Project at the University of Pennsylvania challenges the long-held assumption that conservatives see the world as more dangerous than liberals. Instead, researchers found that both conservatives and liberals view the world as similarly dangerous, with a hierarchical worldview playing a significant role in s...
Recent media releases from UK government agencies and NHS organizations lack objectivity and provide unbalanced information on prescription-only medicines. The Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin expresses concerns over the use of hyperbolic language and omission of key information about potential harms and benefits.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that overconfidence in one's ability can lead to a desire for income equality, but with nuances. Participants who experienced a gap between their income and self-evaluated ability were more likely to support reducing income inequality, particularly among left-wing individuals.
The Wasatch Transportation Academy provides community members with knowledge and tools to get involved in transportation decision-making. Key findings include a high degree of satisfaction among participants, who reported increased engagement in various transportation-related activities after taking part in the academy.
A new study analyzing YouTube comments found that fans of a celebrity will often continue to support them despite immoral acts. The study used language-processing algorithms to analyze comments on Logan Paul's videos before and after a scandalous incident in which he shared a video of a dead body.
The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.
A new UCL-led study found that most British adults support stricter tobacco regulations, including banning sales near schools and raising the legal age to 21. The survey of over 1,700 adults in England and Scotland showed strong majority support for these policies.
A new study by the University of Central Florida reveals that workers in countries with greater income inequality are more likely to perceive robots and artificial intelligence as job threats. This association was found despite the potential benefits of these technologies to improve work and increase flexibility.
Researchers identify four bases of anti-science beliefs: distrust in scientific sources, group identity, conflicting messages, and cognitive style. Politicization and social media amplify these factors, making it harder for people to accept scientific evidence. Strategies like acknowledging valid concerns and finding common ground can ...
A new study from Iowa State University found that people's likelihood of eating or avoiding gene-edited foods is primarily driven by their social values and trust in government and industry. Around 60% of women surveyed said they would avoid gene-edited foods.
A recent study by ICTA-UAB researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in public expectations, with many citizens becoming more pessimistic about future climate action. However, some respondents expressed positive views on the impact of COVID-19 on consumption habits and environmental awareness.
A new study by NYU researchers found that neoliberal policies and institutions are associated with a preference for greater income inequality across over 160 countries. The analysis, which spanned 25 years (1995-2019), suggests that economic systems can shape human psychology to favor higher levels of income inequality.
A new study found that a brief befriending-themed meditation can reduce affective polarization between Remain and Leave voters in the UK. The meditation increased perceived commonality between sides, suggesting a potential strategy to address polarization.
A new study found that naming legislation after a victim increases support for the law and its associated punishment, with notable benefits for laws named after African American women. The study used distracted driving as an example and surveyed a national sample of 1,000 U.S. adults.
A study from the University of Illinois Chicago explores key themes and topics from COVID-19 vaccine-related tweets, identifying changes in public attitudes towards vaccination and concerns about effectiveness. The research provides insights for policymakers to frame policies and programs to accelerate vaccine uptake.
A new mathematical model predicts a significant shift in US public opinion on moral issues, with abortion rights expected to dominate. Within 15 years, a majority of Americans will support equal parental leave.
A new study from Brown University's Policy Lab found that text-message vaccination campaigns work better when sent early, as all state residents ages 16 and up had been eligible for a shot four weeks before the campaign. Despite this, the messages' ineffectiveness was due to poor timing rather than the content.
Researchers from Tohoku University used agent-based simulation to visualize consensus building around geothermal power plant development in Japan. The model demonstrated how diverse opinions of stakeholders converge to a consensus, with factors such as stakeholder attributes, locations, and influential individuals affecting opinion for...
A study found that people in Germany and the US prioritize equal access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. In contrast, vaccine distribution according to a country's production capacity or free market regulation received little support. The research highlights the public's willingness to share vaccines despite logistical challenges.
Researchers at EPFL and ETH Zurich propose a rational explanation for the deaths of nine hikers in 1959, attributing their injuries to a small slab avalanche. The team's work was met with intense media attention and criticism from conspiracy theorists before being accepted by the Russian scientific community.
A new study by Cornell University's Landon Schnabel found that women are now as likely as men to report working because they want to, not just out of necessity. The gender gap in preferring to work is closing, except for pockets of the most religiously active Americans.
A special issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines the effects of the George Floyd protests on the criminal justice system. Studies focus on policy changes, police institutional change, and public attitudes surrounding defunding the police.
The workshop aims to provide tangible techniques for effectively communicating scientific results to general audiences. Researchers conducted surveys to understand the decline in public trust in science, citing insufficient science education and disinformation campaigns as key factors.
A survey study found that 71% of respondents support increased transparency in the FDA drug approval process. Public support for or opposition to transparency measures was assessed in this study.
A significant minority of Americans who morally oppose abortion would provide emotional support and logistical assistance to a friend or family member seeking an abortion, but may not financially contribute. The study's findings have implications for the Texas law that allows individuals to sue those who aided or abetted the procedure.
Researchers found that fact checks are a more effective counter to COVID-19 misinformation than false news tags. The study, published in Public Opinion Quarterly, tested the impact of fact checks and false tags on public perception of false claims about the pandemic.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that Americans are more supportive of military action in foreign countries when the US has existing defense treaties with those nations. The research suggests that public opinion can be shaped by how leaders frame international commitments, particularly in relation to NATO alliances.
A new analysis of public opinion data found that Americans' attitudes and behaviors have become more liberal overall in the past 50 years, particularly on issues like gay rights and civil liberties. However, views on polarizing issues such as abortion, guns, and taxes remain unchanged.
A new study found that people who see artists as collaborators in their local communities are more likely to support public funding for artists. The researchers also discovered that individuals with liberal views, blacks, Hispanics, and those with a college education are more supportive of public funding.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that spending revenues on climate projects increases social acceptability of carbon taxes. The research also revealed that providing information on carbon taxes can increase acceptability, while the perception of fairness is a stronger factor in acceptability than effectiveness.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that only half of Americans surveyed believe sports teach love of country, while men, heterosexuals, Christians and Republicans were more likely to agree. Surprisingly, some lower-status groups were also more likely to recognize these messages.
A study by Hokkaido University researchers found that Japanese customers prefer traditional restaurants displaying an older year of establishment, leading to improved evaluations and intentions to visit. This effect was observed specifically for traditional foods like soba noodles.
A study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that conservatives with low conscientiousness are more likely to share misleading information. Conscientiousness plays a significant role in determining whether people share misinformation, regardless of political beliefs or social media usage.
A survey of 1,000 people in five Southeast Asian countries found that more than half were against nuclear energy development. The study suggests that trust in entities and risk perceptions are key factors influencing public opinion on nuclear energy.
Consumer definitions of sustainability differ from industry definitions, affecting perception and purchase intent. Consumer perspectives consider multiple factors like packaging, animal welfare, organic status, and grass-fed systems, with some associating terms like 'organic' with healthier practices.
A recent survey of 88,125 climate-related studies found that 99.9% support human-caused climate change, with only four skeptical papers out of 3,000 examined. The study's findings provide strong evidence for the reality of human influence on climate, allaying any remaining doubt.
A new study published in Economic Inquiry finds that economic conditions affect climate change beliefs only among those in the labor force, while retired individuals and students remain unaffected. The analysis resolves conflicting results on the determinants of popular support for climate change initiatives.
A new study found that fact-checking works across the globe, reducing false beliefs and increasing factual accuracy. The researchers tested five unique fact-checks in four countries and found that fact-checks increased accurate beliefs by .59 points on a scale of 1-5.
A new study found that the public generally opposes repressive policing of protesters, but certain tactics by protesters increase fear and support for police repression. The goals of protests also impact support for police repression, with racially resentful individuals more supportive of repression.
A new study published in the American Political Science Review found that public diplomacy accompanying a high-level visit by a national leader increases public approval in the host country. The effect lasts up to two and a half weeks and is especially strong when covered by news media.
A new study from Cardiff University found that the UK public views COVID-19 as a threat primarily because of government-imposed lockdowns. People who judged the risk based on this fact were more likely to support lockdown measures. Once restrictions are lifted, public perception may shift, and the threat may be downplayed.
Researchers found significant regional variation in vaccine hesitancy linked to lower vaccine uptake rates. Public health officials can use this data to inform targeted interventions and improve vaccine coverage.
A new study found that Americans significantly underestimated public support for key gun safety policies, including universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods. When people learned about the true levels of support, they were more likely to express stronger public support in both private and public settings.
Project Man in Space, initiated by social psychologist Donald Michael in 1955, aimed to capture public opinion on space exploration. The program's research revealed strong interest in Sputnik and influenced public support for new initiatives, but also perpetuated utopian narratives that obscured military applications.
A new book examines how public opinion impacts educational reform in Western Europe. The authors found that when issues are highly debated by the public, policymakers are more likely to respond to clear signals, but in cases of ambiguous or 'quiet' debates, party politics takes over.
Despite limited evidence, wearing face masks could have a substantial impact on transmission and social distancing measures. Experts argue that proper mask use can be taught and implemented consistently, reducing the risk of transmission.
To tackle massive wood fuel accumulations, California needs significant fuel treatments, including prescribed burns or vegetation thinning. The researchers propose solutions to overcome barriers, such as a risk-averse culture, limited finances, and complex regulations.
A survey study assessed Californians' opinions on two proposals: an amnesty program for high-capacity magazines and a five-year gun ban for repeat DUI offenders. The majority supported the first proposal, but were divided on the second.
A new report reveals that Americans have consistently trusted scientists over the past several decades, with a majority expressing confidence in scientific institutions. Despite concerns about science becoming partisan, recent surveys show stable trust levels, particularly among Democrats and Republicans alike.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that diagnostic radiologists with lifetime ABR certificates were significantly less likely to participate in Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs. Participation rates were only 13.9% among those with lifetime certificates, compared to nearly universal participation...
BotSlayer uses an anomaly detection algorithm to quickly identify trending activity likely driven by bots. The tool can also generate a network map to illustrate how a topic is spreading over time, providing insights into influential accounts and disinformation attacks.
Researchers developed a scientific model predicting public opinion changes on moral issues by analyzing the connection between moral positions and arguments. The model shows that opinions supported by fairness and harm arguments gain ground over time, while classical grounds like loyalty or authority lose support.
A UNIGE study found that the number of immigrants Switzerland welcomes greatly affects citizens' opinions, with figures in the media playing a significant role. The researchers discovered that anchoring bias influences public opinion, with high or low initial numbers leading to differing responses.
A new study by Cornell University professor Jessica Chen Weiss reveals that younger Chinese are more hawkish in their foreign policy beliefs compared to older generations. The majority of the Chinese public supports greater military reliance and increased defense spending. However, opinions are sensitive to broader information and stra...
A WSU sociologist's analysis of over 20,000 people's opinions reveals that environmental support declines with age and has minimal impact from cohort, but is significantly affected by presidential politics. Republican voters tend to oppose Democratic environmental policies, while supporting them when a Democrat is in office.
A Dartmouth study finds that US policy messages have a greater impact on foreign public opinion than the person delivering the message. The research, published in Political Behavior, reveals that Japanese public opinion of the US depends largely on whether a policy message is cooperative or uncooperative.