Articles tagged with Public Opinion
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.
Researchers at Indiana University found that terminology and framing efforts had no effect on public opinion concerning the ongoing debate over legalizing same-sex marriage. Beliefs and values held sway, not rhetoric or word choice, according to the study.
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.
A new symposium investigates the link between terrorism and human rights, finding that restricting citizens' rights can fuel terrorism. The research also suggests that governmental repression in response to terrorism is limited, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to curbing terrorism.
A Carnegie Mellon study analyzed over a billion Twitter messages to gauge public opinion on consumer confidence and presidential job approval. The results showed correlations between Twitter-derived sentiment measurements and traditional polling data, with notable similarities in trends and fluctuations.
Dan Yankelovich suggests a three-stage process to engage the public on critical issues like global warming and bioethics. This process involves confronting and overcoming wishful thinking, engaging people's emotions and values, and combining good science, wise public policy, and thoughtful judgment.
A Canadian report reveals that public perception of surveillance cameras is at odds with reality, with little evidence to suggest they deter crime. The report calls for questioning the social ethics and legal limits of surveillance footage as technology continues to evolve.
This special issue of Disability and Health Journal explores the complex issues surrounding physician-assisted suicide, featuring articles from disability advocates who oppose legalization. The analysis highlights concerns about discrimination, health disparities, and the potential risks to people with disabilities.
A new study by University of Missouri researchers found that well-informed citizens are less swayed by White House rhetoric, while the general public is more susceptible to manipulation. Simple and compelling language used by presidents can significantly increase public support for military actions overseas.
A new nationwide study suggests that people are more likely to support withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq if one or more soldiers from their home state were killed there recently. This localized factor outweighs other considerations, such as national casualties, in shaping public opinion.
A study by Alan Krueger and Jitka Malečková found that negative public opinion toward a country's leadership and policies is associated with an increased likelihood of terrorist acts. The research analyzed data from 143 pairs of countries and linked opinions to terrorist attacks between 2004 and 2008.
A recent survey conducted by a University of Missouri professor reveals that the U.S. public supports several voting reforms, including early voting and photo identification requirements. Americans expressed strong approval for these measures, with less support for vote by mail and election day registration.
Mass transportation ranks 10th with a positive score of +40.8, up from 2002. Education remains top priority, followed by health care. Support for infrastructure spending increases following the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007. The General Social Survey found growing public support for mass transit and infrastructure spending.
A study found that people's opinions on nanotechnology are shaped by their cultural values, with pro-commerce values leading to a positive view and egalitarian values sparking concerns about risks. The findings highlight the need for nuanced communication strategies to address diverse audiences.
Researchers found that people's preferences on how the federal government should spend its money are overwhelmingly similar across socioeconomic groups. The study concluded that the government acts on all income groups because it can't tell the difference or to represent public views as a whole.
Public attitudes toward embryonic stem cell research are influenced more by religious values and deference to scientific authority than scientific knowledge. For highly religious audiences, understanding the science has no effect on their views, while for less religious individuals, it is linked to more positive attitudes.
Climate experts weigh in on An Inconvenient Truth, agreeing it raises public awareness but contains weaknesses and exaggerations. The film's main weakness is its reliance on individual extreme events to prove global warming.
Researchers Isabelle Brocas and Juan D. Carrillo present a situation where one party controls public opinion despite having access to the same information as others. This phenomenon, known as 'influence through ignorance,' occurs when power comes from controlling the flow of public information rather than possessing private information.
A University of Alberta study found that even in 1995, when the government was cutting welfare benefits, most Albertans were not supportive. By 2004, support decreased further. The study suggests that Premier Ralph Klein's government was out of step with public opinion on income support reform.
The Commonwealth Fund survey finds widespread support for public reporting of healthcare quality and prices, with 86% supporting public reporting of drug prices and 82% supporting medical loss ratios. Improved transparency is seen as essential to reducing healthcare costs, but its impact on cost reduction varies.
A new study finds that large cascades of influence are driven by a critical mass of easily influenced individuals, rather than highly influential ones. The researchers created an influence network with opinion flows in many directions at once and introduced various factors to evaluate their effects.
A recent Stanford-AP survey found that Americans are pessimistic about the state of the environment and want immediate action to improve it. The survey revealed that 52% expect the world's natural environment to be in worse shape in 10 years, while 84% believe global warming is occurring.
The ESRC has launched a new online resource, Public Services Zone, featuring research on public service reform, including performance management, capability and capacity, choice and voice, and competition and contestability. The zone provides user-friendly summaries, news, and opportunities for connection with researchers.
A survey of 1,308 Florida adults found that 80% opposed abolishing the juvenile justice system, with nearly 40% strongly opposed. The study suggests that public opinion supports a child-centered approach to juvenile justice, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that individuals who are reluctant to express their opinions in public may also avoid participating in political activities, such as working for a campaign or circulating petitions. This avoidance is linked to a tendency to self-censor and fear of social repercussions.
Merlyna Lim's research explores how the Internet facilitated creative interaction during Indonesia's 'reformasi' movement and Moluccan conflict, highlighting its potential for collective protest but also limitations. The study suggests the importance of cultural and interpersonal contacts in collective actions.
The Bush administration's foreign policy has been widely criticized for its perceived self-interest, leading to widespread distrust and cynicism among the global public. A survey by Pew Research Center found that most people in Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan, and Morocco believe the US ignores their interests.
The project provides an online analysis of every state supreme court case heard from 1995 to 1998 in all 50 states. The database contains over 400 biographical profiles of state supreme court judges and offers insights into the impact of judicial elections on judicial behavior.
Tim Appenzeller wins AGU's Sullivan Award for his article 'The Case of the Missing Carbon', while Jeffrey Kluger receives the Perlman Award for 'Secrets of the Rings'. Both articles are praised for their scientific accuracy, clarity and engaging storytelling.
A study comparing newspaper stories to peer-reviewed research papers found that genetic research is often sensationalized, leading to inaccurate public perception. The authors suggest that academic promotion, grant funding, and financial gain may drive the hype surrounding genetic research.
A new study reveals Americans are among the most misinformed about global warming, with only 15% correctly identifying burning fossil fuels as its primary cause. The US ranks below Japan and France in terms of public understanding of climate change.
A recent poll found that New Yorkers are divided on the use of biotechnology in food and agriculture, with 39% opposed to its use. The study also revealed demographic differences among those who support or oppose biotechnology, with opponents being more likely to be female, liberal, and younger.
A study published by the American Sociological Association finds that campaign contributions and lobbying have limited impact on policy, with party lines and ideology playing a greater role. The average PAC donation to candidates is $1,700, which is not enough to win significant influence.
Research reveals that news media rarely references public opinion through polls, surveys, or demonstrations, instead relying on inferences and citizen experiences. This model of citizenship may be contributing to declining voter turnout and disengagement with politics.
A study of TV news reports in Britain and US reveals that polls are rarely used to represent public opinion, instead relying on unverified claims and non-ideological citizen representations. This may lead to a disengaged citizenry, as politicians are often left to offer solutions without public input.
Professor Lynda Warren argues that local residents' opinions are distorted by political rhetoric and underestimated by the industry. She calls for increased transparency and involvement from politicians and companies to address public fears about radioactive waste.