Few Americans are confident in American democracy, but younger Americans are especially skeptical

March 8, 2021 Daniel A. Cox, Samantha Goldstein

If governments can effectively administer the COVID-19 vaccine and deliver economic support, it will go a long way in demonstrating that even if government is clunky and the results imperfect, the institutions of democratic governance can work.

When it comes to conspiracy theories, education matters

February 26, 2021 Daniel A. Cox, Jacqueline Clemence

Educational attainment is closely associated with belief in conspiracy theories. However, education appears to matter more for Republicans than Democrats.

Rise of conspiracies reveals an evangelical divide in the GOP

February 12, 2021 Daniel A. Cox

Evangelical Christian Republicans are more likely to embrace conspiracy theories. One explanation? Their affinity to Trump.

If you have a lot of friends, you’re probably more active in politics

February 8, 2021 Daniel A. Cox, Jacqueline Clemence

Having a robust network of friends and family may encourage us to become more active in civic and political life.

Older Americans support getting vaccinated regardless of their politics or the perceived threat of COVID-19

January 8, 2021 Daniel A. Cox, Samantha Goldstein

As the US ramps up vaccinations, political identity is important in predicting the behavior of younger Americans.

Holiday spending in 2020

December 17, 2020 Karlyn Bowman, Jacqueline Clemence

The holidays look different this year. In addition to traveling less, having smaller gatherings, and gathering virtually, Americans are also altering their spending habits.

The benefits of going to a place “where everyone knows your name”

November 23, 2020 Daniel A. Cox, Jacqueline Clemence

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, these community spaces look a little different right now. Coffee shops, restaurants, and parks have more importance than ever in connecting us to our community and to the world outside our homes.

Biden’s message of unity is welcomed by most Americans

November 13, 2020 Samuel J. Abrams

Biden’s desire to move past the divisiveness that has marked the Trump presidency, the question that follows is simple: Are Americans actually open to working with others and trying to find the middle ground?

The 2020 election was not primarily about Trump as a person

November 9, 2020 Samuel J. Abrams

Biden will have the challenge of finding common ground with all Americans, but Biden already took the right steps when he declared in his acceptance speech that “It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again.”

The 2020 religion vote

November 6, 2020 Daniel A. Cox

Religious voters lined up behind their preferred candidates in familiar ways in the 2020 presidential election, but there were some notable shifts.

Daniel A. Cox
March 4, 2021

Social isolation and community disconnection are not spurring conspiracy theories

New analysis from the January 2021 American Perspectives Survey shows that having an active social life and regular engagement with people in your neighborhood does not inoculate against believing in conspiracies.

Daniel A. Cox
February 11, 2021

After the ballots are counted: Conspiracies, political violence, and American exceptionalism

The January 2021 American Perspectives Survey looks at post-election sentiments, beliefs in conspiracies, attitudes toward political violence, political segregation, and general feelings toward the United States.

Daniel A. Cox
December 15, 2020

Religious diversity and change in American social networks: How our social connections shape religious beliefs and behavior

New analysis explores the degree to which Americans’ religious networks are composed largely of those with similar beliefs and affiliations or those that are more diverse. It also explores how religious diversity among our close personal relationships serves to structure religious behavior and belief.

Daniel A. Cox, Karlyn Bowman
December 9, 2020

A turning point? Americans grapple with COVID-19 amid enduring partisan and racial divisions

The November 2020 APS explores how Americans are grappling with COVID-19 amid soaring numbers of infections, finding that more Americans say they would get a free, FDA-approved vaccine, but large partisan divisions persist. It also challenges the “shy Trump voter” hypothesis, offering possible explanations for Trump’s increased support among non-white voters.

American Life Blog