Research using surveys to study people and society. Covers consumer studies, dietary change, social-media and mood links, and public opinion.
A study of over 19,000 adults in Spain found that moderate to high alcohol consumption, including beer and spirits, was associated with lower levels of subjective ill health. Wine drinkers had less ill health than non-wine drinkers, but this association varied by age.
A study of 350 men and women found that mental aging begins in the 20s with continuous declines in processing power. By mid-60s, people may notice a decline in everyday activities. An increase in experience and knowledge can compensate for losses until age 50.
A study by Peter J. Cunningham found that despite increased eligibility for public coverage, only half of low-income children are enrolled in programs like SCHIP and Medicaid. The gap is attributed to high costs, stigma associated with public programs, and lack of awareness among Hispanic families, which have lower take-up rates.
A recent survey found that herbal product users are more likely to be women and have used multivitamins or nutritional supplements; 61% of respondents reported using an herbal product in the past 12 months. Physicians should become educated about herbs to identify potential risks and engage in dialogue with patients about herb use.
A new survey and observational study found that only 67% of people actually wash their hands before leaving a public restroom, despite 95% saying they do. Women are more likely to practice good hygiene than men, with women reporting higher rates of handwashing after various activities or events.
More than half of Virginians agree that not enough is spent on elementary and secondary public schools. While most residents believe public schools do a good job of teaching math and science, 82% think school administrators should take more responsibility to prevent violence in schools.
A survey by Virginia Tech found that 54% of citizens agree that not enough is spent on elementary and secondary public schools, while 64% support using the lottery to fund education. In contrast, 79% believe public schools do a good job teaching math and science.
A new study reveals that Americans are more likely to acknowledge feeling overwhelmed by life, with shifts in perceptions of mental health and coping mechanisms over the past four decades. The percentage of respondents reporting a 'nervous breakdown' increased from 19% in 1957 to 26% in 1996.
A new study found that people with disabilities are more liberal than the general population, with a strong streak of skepticism about government. Despite this, they feel underrepresented in politics and lack power to bring about change, presenting opportunities for political growth and engagement.
Computer-aided text analysis software can quickly identify trends in public opinions on current issues, paralleling survey results at a fraction of the cost. Researchers can extend analysis back in time to establish trends and examine rate and direction of change.
A study found that people are willing to support green spaces in their communities, but are reluctant to pay for them directly. The researchers used Contingent Valuation surveys to gauge willingness to pay and found significant differences between self-reported and actual payments.
A survey of 2,000 US and UK HR professionals found that organizations have made progress in accommodating employees with disabilities. Training and flexible policies are common, but challenges remain, including negative attitudes and inadequate record-keeping.
US teen smoking rates have declined gradually from their peak in the late 1990s, with a notable decrease among college-bound eighth- and 10th-graders. However, non-college bound students have shown little improvement, and social class differences in smoking rates are re-emerging.
Research at Ohio State University found that Americans' trust in individuals has declined by about 10% between 1975 and 1994, with a decline of half a percent per year. Despite this, trust in institutions such as government, religion, and education remained stable, and people maintained their involvement in clubs and organizations.
Outbreaks of toxic Pfiesteria microorganisms in recreational waterways can have significant impacts on summer tourism and seafood sales. According to a survey of 3,500 coastal residents, a Pfiesteria outbreak could reduce tourism by at least 40% and lead to nearly two-thirds of respondents eating less locally harvested seafood. Consume...
A survey of older Californians ages 45-70 found that poor health is a significant contributor to early retirement, with nearly half retiring for health-related reasons. The study also revealed disparities in health coverage and poverty rates among early retirees compared to those who retired after age 50.
A majority of Americans believe certain types of mental illnesses cause violent behavior, with over 90% linking stress as a cause. This stereotype persists despite recognition of mental illness and its causes, leading to social distance and reluctance to interact.
The study found that only 7% of D.C. residents and 14% of Delaware residents consider themselves part of the South. In contrast, 84% of Texans and 82% of Virginians identify as Southerners. The results suggest a more nuanced understanding of regional identity.
A national survey found that nearly half of American women (45%) regularly cross their legs, despite being aware of the negative effects on circulation. The study also revealed that leg crossing is often a habit, comfort-driven behavior, and a matter of politeness.
The survey shows strong support for indexing the retirement age to increases in life expectancy. However, actuaries opposed individual accounts and favored limiting investment choices if enacted. Most respondents disagreed with adjusting benefits based on retiree-to-worker ratio.
The survey, a collaboration between National Geographic and distinguished sociologists, aims to map communities and change around the world. It will collect data from 18,000 participants and address how often people have moved, their role in communities, and the impact of geography on tastes.
The survey found that 82% of Russian husbands and 79% of wives prefer husbands to earn the household income, contrary to earlier US studies. In contrast, 50% of Russian women manage the family's income, with one-third of both genders preferring this role.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study suggests that nearly 30% of the US population attend church weekly, contradicting previous head counts. The research found that telephone polls like Gallup overestimate church attendance due to biased respondent demographics.
A five-month public awareness campaign significantly improved people's knowledge of stroke warning signs, with a notable increase in awareness among women. In contrast, men showed little change in their understanding of stroke warning signs.
The latest survey from Georgia Institute of Technology reveals a slowdown in the World Wide Web's expansion, with minor changes in demographics and a significant decrease in new internet users. The study highlights growing concerns over cyberspace privacy, falsification of information, and censorship among web users.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that public support for the death penalty is ambivalent, with many opponents emerging when alternatives to capital punishment are presented. The survey showed that 83% of Virginians initially supported the death penalty, but this number dropped significantly when respondents were given a life ...