Articles tagged with Public Opinion
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.
A University of Texas at Dallas study found that men, conservatives, and those supporting the death penalty oppose Black Lives Matter. The research highlights the need for understanding public divisions on the issue.
Research suggests that crime is a powerful motivator for migrants to come to the US, despite understanding the risks of the journey. Those who have been victimized by crime multiple times are more likely to migrate.
A study by University of Kansas professors found that mass shootings create a brief window of opportunity for policymakers to pass gun law reforms, with anxious people supporting changes in ideology and politics. However, this effect is short-lived as the public's emotional response to anxiety changes how they think about politics.
A new paper by Daniel J. Soeder and Douglas B. Kent summarizes the environmental impacts of shale development, providing a balanced understanding of fracking's merits and demerits. The study addresses various potential impacts of fracking, offering insights for non-geoscientists and experts alike.
The NHS's founding principle of providing care based on need received 23% of the votes, ahead of limiting commercial influence and general practice. The results reflect the public's high value on a non-profit healthcare system.
Research in the Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that individuals show in-group favoritism when it comes to representation on US currency. For example, those from high-status groups prefer to maintain their dominance, while lower-status groups and change-seekers prefer women or diverse alternatives.
Research published in Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that Americans exhibit in-group favoritism when choosing currency faces. Individuals with lower-status groups preferred female representation, while those from high-status groups favored existing figures.
A study found that terrorist attacks do not change employers' hiring practices, despite public opinion reacting to the attacks. Ethnic discrimination against Pakistanis remains consistent before and after terrorist attacks in Norway.
A study suggests that Trump's 'Muslim ban' resulted in a rare shift in public opinion, with over 30% of respondents moving against the policy after its announcement. The researchers attribute this shift to the influx of information portraying the ban as incompatible with American values and egalitarian principles.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that individuals with higher news media literacy are less likely to endorse conspiracy theories. The study surveyed nearly 400 participants and found that those who know more about the news media are less susceptible to conspiracy theories, regardless of their political affiliation.
A large-scale study found that articles from small news outlets can increase discussion by 63% and shift the balance of opinion by 2.3% in favor of the article's ideological direction. The impact is observed across different political affiliations, geographies, and social media intensity.
A study by Dr Benjamin Lyons from the University of Exeter found that journalists can signal to readers which information is true, reducing misperceptions. By adjudicating disputes within standard news stories, journalists can provide one-sided evidence with a bigger impact on people's factual beliefs.
A new analysis of national public opinion polls reveals that Republican divisions on health care issues hindered major legislation. The study also finds growing support for a federal role in ensuring universal coverage, with six in ten Americans now believing it is the government's responsibility.
A new study by Ruud Wouters suggests that protests with many participants and a unified message are more effective in influencing politicians. The research found that features such as the number of protesters and unity had the greatest impact on changing politicians' opinions, regardless of their party affiliation.
A national survey found that over half of Americans know of heart valve disease but less than a quarter understand its symptoms. The condition affects over five million people and can be serious, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education.
A recent study found that mainstream political parties in Europe have failed to respond to growing public skepticism of the EU, allowing nationalist groups to gain more power. The financial crisis and migration crisis have further eroded support for European integration.
A new interactive tool reveals distinct climate opinion patterns across Canada's provinces and ridings, with significant variations in Alberta versus Quebec. Canadians broadly agree that Earth is warming, but regional differences and demographic factors influence opinions on emissions trading systems.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers suggests that climate-change deniers are successfully changing people's minds with negative messages, regardless of their political affiliation. The study found that core beliefs about climate change remain unchanged even when presented with positive messages, highlighting the diffic...
A comprehensive report finds telecommuting can boost job satisfaction and productivity, but only when implemented carefully. Key moderating factors include employee choice, scheduling control, relationships with supervisors and coworkers, and work dependency.
The Sochi Winter Olympics have left a legacy of oversized infrastructure and inflated prices, paid for almost exclusively by the public. The total cost of the Games is $55bn, with sports-related costs alone amounting to $16bn, more than twice the official figure.
A Baylor University study reveals that states with stricter lobbying regulations promote more equal political representation, narrowing the gap between rich and poor citizens' opinions. States with more restrictions on professional lobbyists tend to score higher in terms of equality of representation.
A Penn State researcher found that as U.S. casualties rose in Afghanistan, war coverage became increasingly negative towards the military and the war effort. Reporters who were embedded with troops reported more negative tones than those outside the country.
A comprehensive US study reveals that city governments closely match citizens' politics and policies, with liberal cities taxing and spending more. The research challenges the popular image of local governance being under the sway of machine politics or big-money interests.
A study by American University researchers found that understanding public opinion goes beyond partisanship to address differences in people's perceptions about the social implications of science. Four distinct groups, including 'Scientific Optimists' and 'Disengaged', were identified as influencing opinions on stem cell research.
Researchers found that judges are more likely to side with public majority sentiment on the death penalty after being targeted by moneyed interest groups. The study used a large dataset of over 12,000 votes from 27 years and found that judicial behaviors changed with the rise of new-style campaigns.
A Dartmouth-Australian study provides the first global evidence that foreign aid programs can improve donor countries' public image. The research suggests that targeted and sustained foreign aid can serve a crucial geostrategic goal for those countries providing it, while also improving humanitarian outcomes.
An Indiana University study analyzed 537 million tweets to find a correlation between the number of tweets about a candidate and their vote count. The research suggests that social media behavior can be used as an indicator of real-world political behavior, providing a new tool for analyzing election outcomes.
A study by neuroscientists found that while they recognize the importance of new media in shaping public opinion, most researchers make little personal use of social networks. The study suggests scientists still value the vetting process for information in traditional media channels.
A US study found that local weather trends, particularly temperature fluctuations, significantly influence public opinion on global warming. The researchers suggest that headline-making weather can strongly impact climate beliefs, especially among those without strong convictions.
A University of Tennessee professor found that celebrities' political activity can make a party more or less likable, depending on voter perceptions. Research suggests celebrity endorsements affect public opinion by influencing people's views of the parties as 'brands'.
A study found that national political leaders play a key role in shaping public opinion on climate change, with a peak in agreement between Democrats and Republicans in 2006-2007. However, public concern has since dropped as partisanship increased.
A new study published in Climatic Change identifies political mobilization by elites and advocacy groups as the driving factor behind public opinion on climate change. The research found that information-based science advocacy has a minimal effect on public concern, while elite cues and economic factors play a crucial role.
A recent study by Michigan State University's Corwin Smidt found that news coverage of Washington politicians' rhetoric has limited influence on public opinion. Instead, citizens are swayed by stories about grassroots protests and local events.
Research from International Broadcasting Trust and University of East Anglia reveals UK television left audiences unprepared for Arab Spring. The study finds that North Africa and Middle East received just 5% of international non-news factual coverage in 2010, with Libya and Yemen receiving little or no coverage.
Researchers found that people who say risks outweigh benefits often perceive more benefits than risks when asked detailed questions. The study suggests breaking down complex science issues into multiple questions for accurate assessment.
A UT professor's study found that economic inequality increases both the rich and poor becoming more conservative, reducing support for government programs. The study analyzed hundreds of thousands of survey responses from 1952 to 2006, revealing a self-perpetuating phenomenon.
A recent study suggests that individuals' core values and prior beliefs have a substantial impact on their confidence in scientific reports, particularly when it comes to environmental issues like offshore oil drilling. This finding raises questions about the influence of science on public policy debates.
A new study from the University of Chicago finds that 85% of workers prioritize workplace safety over other labor standards. Despite public concern, workplace safety measures often fall short, with reports of injuries remaining high and worker stress contributing to accidents.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that beliefs and values held sway over rhetoric in the debate about legalizing same-sex marriage. The findings suggest that framing efforts may have limited impact on public opinion, while emphasizing the importance of addressing key issues related to same-sex families.