Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze video segments from live streams and estimate the prevalence of mask wearing. The protocol was successfully learned in under an hour and found reliable estimates of mask-compliance, with the potential to provide useful results for decision-makers within 48 hours.
A new study at the University of Cincinnati found that work interruptions can counterbalance negatives and lead to higher job satisfaction. Employees who experienced social interactions during interruptions felt more like they belonged, which mitigated negative effects on their well-being.
A new Polish study examines why people refuse vaccination, finding that generalized negative attitudes towards vaccines and confirmation bias play a significant role. Vaccine deniers often attribute negative symptoms to vaccines despite missing evidence of correlation.
A Tokyo University of Science researcher analyzed 8,000 infant names and found that common boys' name "大翔" has at least 18 readings, while girls' name "結愛" has at least 14. The study shows that parents use various readings, including non-existent ones, and abbreviate common readings.
A survey of US and NYC parents found that only 49% planned to vaccinate their youngest child, with vaccine hesitancy linked to education level and income. The study highlights the need for targeted information campaigns to improve vaccination uptake among young children.
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that younger people with diabetes are significantly more concerned about COVID-19 risks and have a higher likelihood of reporting worries. Social support from family, friends, and healthcare teams plays a crucial role in managing these concerns.
A study of 692 female surgeons found that nearly half experienced major pregnancy complications, including miscarriages and preterm birth. The researchers call for policy changes to support pregnant surgeons and change the culture surrounding childbearing.
A new study from the University of Illinois and The Ohio State University reveals that farmers care more about soil health than scientists and conservation professionals think. Farmers prioritize soil health at a higher level (8.5 out of 10) than academics and NRCS professionals expected (4.9 and 5.7, respectively).
A University of Otago study found that people attempting to switch from cigarettes to vaping reported highly varied smoking and ENDS use patterns. The researchers recommend that individuals persist in their attempts to transition away from smoking, even if progress feels slow and uncertain.
A survey of over 650 astronomers and geophysicists reveals a systemic bullying problem, with disabled and black/minority ethnic individuals facing higher rates of bullying. Women and non-binary individuals are also more likely to experience bullying and harassment in the workplace.
A recent study published by the American Educational Research Association found a significant 'thriving gap' between students who attended school remotely during the pandemic and those who attended in person. The study revealed that remote students suffered socially, emotionally, and academically, with lower ratings on social well-bein...
Approximately 8 million US employees used FFCRA emergency sick leave within the first 6-8 months. Unmet sick leave needs tripled during the pandemic, with women exhibiting a higher risk, and college graduates, Asian-Americans, and native-born employees being more likely to know about and use the benefit.
A recent study by Frauke Kreuter and colleagues shows that individual interviews can provide valuable insights into the development of social phenomena, even in an era where big data dominates. The global Covid Trends & Impact Survey uses human social sensing to forecast the pandemic's trajectory, with preliminary results suggesting a ...
The Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology's third Social Perception Survey reveals that 83% of the population trusts COVID-19 vaccination, a 25-point increase from January. Attitudes towards vaccine uptake have improved significantly since July 2020, with compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures also showing a positive trend.
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 82% of Americans support paid maternity leave, similar to 86% in 26 wealthy nations. However, Americans are less supportive of government funding and prefer shorter leave times. Worldwide, people generally want longer leave periods and government funding.
A new study found that political partisanship was the strongest predictor of whether someone would wear a mask or practice social distancing. Those who identified as liberal or moderate were more likely to wear masks and socially distanced, even when they believed their risk was minimal.
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that quality supervisory support and strong relationships with coworkers are crucial for child welfare caseworkers' job satisfaction. The study also highlighted the importance of adequate technology and equipment in managing workload effectively.
A study of US adults found that those who received more social support than they gave had a higher mortality risk. Individuals who gave excessive social support also exhibited a higher risk of death.
A study found that people in the US and China who believe others are being misled by misinformation are more likely to take corrective actions, such as fact-checking and reporting. The study suggests highlighting the impact of misinformation on others can increase public support for addressing it.
A large majority of the Spanish population, 85%, supports increased government investment in science and technology. The survey also reveals a higher interest in science and technology among men than women.
A new study found that nearly one in seven Ohio women of reproductive age has visited a crisis pregnancy center, which are often funded by state dollars but not regulated by the medical board. This can lead to concerns about access to proper medical care and potential misinformation about reproductive health.
An online survey capturing COVID-19 symptoms received over 87,000 responses, providing important insight into the spread of disease. The survey revealed patterns of symptoms and correlations with testing rates in U.S. states.
A survey of 1000 British adolescents found that nearly four-fifths have encountered pornographic content online, with many visiting dedicated sites frequently. The study suggests pressure should be placed on global publishers to introduce effective age restrictions across social media platforms.
Researchers analyzed national survey data to compare HMO enrollment rates among children with commercial and public coverage by race and ethnicity. The study reveals racial and ethnic differences in HMO enrollment rates, highlighting disparities in healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
Younger generations in Japan prefer sustainable lifestyles and are willing to work for companies that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Despite concerns about job security, they prioritize SDG-minded companies over better pay.
A mathematical model reveals that people tend to categorize themselves and others along a spectrum, excluding those in the middle. The study predicts that self-identified Democrats and Republicans view political independents unfavorably, lumping them in with the other side or perceiving them as truly in-between.
A new model explains how social climate surrounding gender roles contributes to the masculine image of physics and mathematics in Japan and England. The study found that negative views of intellectual women are correlated with a masculine image of mathematics only in Japan, while a focus on avoiding sexism affects STEM choice in England.
Researchers found conservatives less willing to participate in medical research due to lower trust in science and ideological differences. The divide could threaten the generalizability of studies, impacting the quality and relevance of medical findings.
The study found that a large majority of U.S. adults support COVID-19 mitigation measures, including mask wearing, social distancing, and contact tracing. Support varied across ages, political party affiliation, and levels of trust in science, highlighting the challenges of reaching key groups during the pandemic.
A recent study published in Education & Society found that voters with low education levels tend to support social welfare programs but vote against left-wing candidates. Meanwhile, more educated voters are less likely to sacrifice their policy preferences and vote for parties with opposing views.
A new study reveals that attitudes based on feelings and emotions can stand the test of time, challenging the conventional wisdom that opinions based on hard facts are more stable. The researchers conducted seven independent studies involving over 20,000 participants to test the role of emotion in forming long-lasting attitudes.
A new UCLA-led study finds that Black men face high levels of discriminatory indignities on a nearly daily basis, regardless of income level. The study's results indicate that structural barriers limit the benefits of economic achievements for Black men, increasing the risk of adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
A new study from Ohio State University found that one in 10 Ohio women thought abortion was illegal due to legislative attempts to ban the practice at six weeks gestation. Women with lower socioeconomic status and those already facing structural barriers to reproductive healthcare were more likely to believe it was illegal.
A Swedish health survey has found that young people's perceptions of their socioeconomic status can have a significant impact on their health. The study, published in Children & Society, explores how the survey questions shape young people's views on life and identity.
New Yorkers' acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine has significantly increased under the Biden Administration, with 64% reporting they would take it in January, up from 55% in September. Disparities persist across racial and ethnic groups, but the largest increase was seen among Black respondents. The survey also found that employed indiv...
A new study by an international team of economists found that the pandemic caused sharp declines in living standards and rising food insecurity in developing countries. The study reports high levels of food insecurity, with many households unable to meet basic nutritional needs.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that individuals who preferred social distancing were less likely to contract COVID-19. The study used virtual behavior scenarios to assess participants' adherence to social distancing recommendations.
Participants in an international survey study reported greater willingness to share COVID-19 messages from a prominent expert versus a celebrity. The researchers found that endorsement by the celebrities was less likely to prompt willingness to share than endorsement by a government official, or no endorsement at all.
A recent US study reveals that heterosexual men are the most passionate sports fans, with 60% of participants identifying as enthusiastic. However, women and members of the LGBTQ+ community also show a strong interest in sports, with 40% of heterosexual women and 30% of gay men reporting similar enthusiasm.
A new study finds that people's willingness to share personal location information to reduce COVID-19 transmission is influenced by cultural context. Researchers found that South Koreans are more accepting of COVID-19 mitigation efforts involving data sharing due to their collectivist culture and lower privacy concerns.
A survey of US adults found that 41% delayed or missed medical care due to fear of COVID-19 transmission and financial setbacks. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to limit forgone care, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The Dark Energy Survey has released a massive catalog of nearly 700 million astronomical objects, building on the previous data release and improving calibration techniques. The catalog provides unprecedented insights into the distribution of matter in the Universe and may hold clues to how our galaxy was assembled over billions of years.
A Texas A&M University-led survey found that 31.1% of the US public does not intend to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with Black Americans, women, and conservatives being most hesitant. Concerns about safety and effectiveness were top reasons for vaccine reluctance across sub-populations.
A new study found that one in four physicians report being attacked and sexually harassed on social media, with women disproportionately affected. The study highlights the need for medical institutions to have a plan in place to respond to online harassment and support physicians' careers.
Researchers found that prosocial concerns drive higher vaccination rates in rural areas than urban ones. The study suggests emphasizing prosocial aspects of vaccination can reduce the rural-urban disparity in vaccination. Vaccination protects not only individuals but also communities, highlighting its social nature.
Levels of nicotine and marijuana vaping among US teens remained high in early 2020, despite a slight decrease in some trends. Nicotine vaping declined among 10th and 12th graders, but daily use remained high. The MTF survey found that vaping device brands have shifted, with teens moving to disposable devices.
A recent survey analysis found that people relying on social media for news are more likely to believe COVID-19 misinformation. Having faith in scientists and discussion heterogeneity weaken such beliefs. The study suggests practical solutions like fact checkers and exposure to different ideas can disrupt the spread of misinformation.
A new survey-based study found that political partisanship has a significant influence on individuals' decisions to limit their social mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis suggests that partisanship is roughly 27 times more important than local COVID-19 prevalence in explaining individual mobility.
A recent study by North Carolina State University found a powerful correlation between user trust in Facebook and the intensity of their Facebook use. The researchers identified self-efficacy and information trustworthiness as key factors contributing to user trust, highlighting the importance of building trust in online platforms.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that older adults in NYC are more likely to report fatigue and pain when encountering stressful social environments. The study used smartphone-based data collection to track participants' movements, activities, and emotions.
New Yorkers remain optimistic about economic recovery and government's ability to control the pandemic. However, anxiety and depression levels remain steady, while trust in fellow citizens erodes significantly.
A recent survey by Bright Line Watch found that fewer than a third of Republican voters have confidence in the national vote count, with nearly half expecting Donald Trump to be inaugurated for a second term. The study highlights the persistence of partisan divisions and mistrust in election results among Trump supporters.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that nearly 40% of US adults with overweight and 10% with obesity do not consider themselves overweight. This lack of self-awareness is linked to lower attempts to lose weight and contributes to rising obesity rates.
A national survey of nearly 4,000 people found that 51% of Americans support paying college athletes more than the cost of tuition, with race and traditionalism being key factors. The study also found that Black adults were 2.5 times more likely to agree with athlete pay.
A survey of neurosurgical community members reveals widespread sexual harassment, with women more likely to report witnessing or experiencing it. The study highlights the need for a cultural shift in the profession to address the issue and prevent burnout among female neurosurgeons.
A University of Stirling study found that social distancing during COVID-19 increased feelings of loneliness among Scotland's over 60s population, leading to worse wellbeing and health. A larger social network and better perceived social support were protective against loneliness and poorer health.
The study found that singles are more likely to have lower incomes and less education than their romantically minded peers. About half of all singles say they are not interested in heterosexual relationships, with younger Japanese being more likely to express disinterest.
Reports of racial discrimination against Asians and Asian-Americans have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with an increase in reported negative health symptoms. A survey of over 400 people found that almost 30% experienced more discrimination and 40% reported more health impacts.