Few Americans are Confident in American Democracy, But Younger Americans are Especially Skeptical
March 8, 2021
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. Continue Reading →
Social Isolation and Community Disconnection are Not Spurring Conspiracy Theories
March 4, 2021
After the 2020 presidential election, a new survey finds acute partisan disagreement over whether President Biden was legitimately elected and whether political violence can ever be justified. Although most Americans believe the 2020 election was a fair contest, most Republicans disagree and express concerns about voter fraud. Republicans are more likely to embrace political conspiracies, including the existence of a “Deep State” working to thwart Donald Trump’s presidency and the Q-Anon conspiracy that Trump is fighting a cabal of sex traffickers. Continue Reading →
When it Comes to Conspiracy Theories, Education Matters
February 26, 2021
Educational attainment is closely associated with belief in conspiracy theories. However, education appears to matter more for Republicans than Democrats. Continue Reading →
Rise of Conspiracies Reveals an Evangelical Divide in the GOP
February 12, 2021
Evangelical Christian Republicans are more likely to embrace conspiracy theories. One explanation? Their affinity to Trump. Continue Reading →
After the Ballots are Counted: Conspiracies, Political Violence, and American Exceptionalism
February 11, 2021
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. Continue Reading →
Older Americans Support Getting Vaccinated Regardless of Their Politics or the Perceived Threat of COVID-19
January 8, 2021
As the US ramps up vaccinations, political identity is important in predicting the behavior of younger Americans. Continue Reading →
Holiday Spending in 2020
December 17, 2020
The holidays look different this year. In addition to traveling less, having smaller gatherings, and gathering virtually, Americans are also altering their spending habits. Continue Reading →
A Turning Point? Americans Grapple With COVID-19 Amid Enduring Partisan and Racial Divisions
December 9, 2020
The November 2020 APS explores how Americans are grappling with COVID-19 amid soaring numbers of infections. Though large partisan divisions persist, more Americans say they would get a free, FDA-approved vaccine. It also challenges the “shy Trump voter” hypothesis and explores possible explanations for Trump’s increased support among non-white voters. Continue Reading →
Our Media Bubbles Reflect a Larger Problem of Political Segregation
October 27, 2020
A new study finds Republican trust in conservative media outlets is closely tied to the political composition of their friendship network. Continue Reading →
What’s Going on with Republican Women?
October 26, 2020
It is easy to discount QAnon—but the reality is it is quickly emerging from the shadows into a full-blown political movement that periodically receives the passive, and at times, active support of the president of the United States. Continue Reading →