Public Opinion
A Majority of Americans Oppose Nuclear Power. How Does Nuclear 'Dread' Affect Their Perceptions?
A new study finds that the public is more supportive of nuclear power when looking only at numbers about calculated risk—without knowing it's nuclear power they're dealing with.
How Newsrooms Are Trying to Make the Media Great Again
Public opinion of the media is at an all-time low. How do outlets regain Americans' trust?
Last Week's Supreme Court Rulings Are an Opportunity for Republicans
How Republicans can move past issues that are dangerous to their party.
Where Do Latinos Stand on Major Political Issues?
New research finds the political opinions expressed by Latinos in America can be quite different depending on whether they are polled in English or Spanish.
Why America Is Holding Back World Action on Climate Change
With a ton of land and plenty of weather variability, it will take much longer before a majority of the public feels the effects of extreme weather.
Study: Science Denialism Crosses Party Lines
New research finds Republicans are no more likely than Democrats to express skepticism of the scientific consensus on contentious issues.
Why Haven't Obama's Scandals Hurt His Approval Ratings?
More Americans approve of his performance now than did so a week ago.
Why Politicians Know So Much That Just Isn't So
A new study finds that politicians think that voters are far more conservative than they really are.
The Other "Cliff"
The Kyoto protocol is about to expire and that two-week international conference on climate change did little to avert the looming crisis.
Was Sarah Palin’s Image Hurt By Tina Fey? You Betcha!
New research suggests exposure to Tina Fey's impersonation of Sarah Palin in 2008 lowered voters' opinion of the candidate.
Musicals Have the Power to Change Minds
New research finds a work of musical theater can impact the way audiences think about a social issue.
Why a Democracy Needs Uninformed People
In a lesson taught by schools of fish, researchers determine that uninformed individuals are actually a benefit to democracy by sanding off extreme views.
Polling of Opinion on Immigration Suggests a Lot of People Lie
UC Berkeley sociologist Alexander Janus says social desirability pressures cause some liberals to lie about their true opinion on immigration — even when asked in an anonymous poll.
Republican Global Warming Skeptics Believe in Climate Change?
New research finds Republicans scoff at "global warming," but are much more receptive to the notion of "climate change."
People Watch The News To Affirm, Not Inform, Their Opinions
A new study finds that people watch the news more for affirmation than for information.
Does Biased News Have a 'Time Bomb' Effect?
A European study shows that, over time, even the most sophisticated readers can be manipulated.
Peeling Away the Media Reaction to 'Objectifying Sarah Palin'
What's it like to have your work misinterpreted by the mainstream media? Two psychologists, who asked whether a popular politician would be hurt by media coverage focused on her appearance, tell their story.
Palin, Biden Both Winners
A poll taken just after the Vice Presidential debate provides fresh evidence that such face-offs tend to raise the favorability levels of both candidates.
The Short-Attention-Span Electorate
An election special, focusing on primaries and voters' knowledge of nominees.
More Hype Equals Less Action on Climate Change
Two new surveys regarding Americans' attitudes toward climate change suggest that Americans have yet to make a personal connection to the issue.
TV Can Turn Public’s Dial
Research suggests entertainment programming on television can and does influence viewers' opinions on public policy issues.