Photo of the dome of the capitol. Beside it, is the silhouette of a hiker.
Blog

Few Americans are Confident in American Democracy, But Younger Americans are Especially Skeptical

Daniel A. Cox, Samantha Goldstein 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 →

Photo of a Q-Anon protest
Survey report

Social Isolation and Community Disconnection are Not Spurring Conspiracy Theories

Daniel A. Cox 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 →

Photo of a Q-Anon protest in front of the Washington Monument
Blog

When it Comes to Conspiracy Theories, Education Matters

Daniel A. Cox, Jacqueline Clemence 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 →

Photo of protestors holding up riot shields and signs that say "God Bless America"
Blog

Rise of Conspiracies Reveals an Evangelical Divide in the GOP

Daniel A. Cox February 12, 2021

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

Photo of a man and child standing in front of a gate around the Capitol.
Survey report

After the Ballots are Counted: Conspiracies, Political Violence, and American Exceptionalism

Daniel A. Cox 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 →

Photo of an elderly couple inside of a car. Both are wearing surgical masks.
Blog

Older Americans Support Getting Vaccinated Regardless of Their Politics or the Perceived Threat of COVID-19

Daniel A. Cox, Samantha Goldstein January 8, 2021

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

Photo of a Christmas tree and its ornaments. Two people are walking away from the camera's view. We see their backs.
Blog

Holiday Spending in 2020

Karlyn Bowman, Jacqueline Clemence 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 →

Survey report

A Turning Point? Americans Grapple With COVID-19 Amid Enduring Partisan and Racial Divisions

Daniel A. Cox, Karlyn Bowman 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 →

Blog

Our Media Bubbles Reflect a Larger Problem of Political Segregation

Daniel A. Cox 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 →

Commentary

What’s Going on with Republican Women?

Daniel A. Cox, Brent Orrell 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 →

Survey Reports

Generation Z and the Transformation of American Adolescence Cover Image

Daniel A. Cox, Kelsey Eyre Hammond, Kyle Gray
November 9, 2023

Generation Z and the Transformation of American Adolescence: How Gen Z’s Formative Experiences Shape Its Politics, Priorities, and Future

This report explores the foundational differences between American generations through their formative adolescent experiences. Continue Reading →

Young man sitting in a dark room before a wall featuring various conspiracy theory-related items illuminated by a computer screen

Daniel A. Cox, M. Anthony Mills, Ian R. Banks, Kelsey Eyre Hammond, Kyle Gray
September 28, 2023

America’s Crisis of Confidence: Rising Mistrust, Conspiracies, and Vaccine Hesitancy After COVID-19

America is experiencing a crosscutting crisis of expertise and scientific distrust accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic that poses significant challenges to democratic debate and public decision-making Continue Reading →

A cartoon showing a vibrant office from the ceiling view.

Daniel A. Cox, Brent Orrell, Kyle Gray, Jessie Wall
September 14, 2023

The Social Workplace: Social Capital, Human Dignity, and Work in America, Volume II

The Social Workplace, Volume II examines Americans’ expectations and experiences surrounding work, the workplace, and key job-related priorities such as pay and interpersonal connections. Continue Reading →

An empty debate stage featuring red and blue podiums below a stage light face an audience of nearly-empty seats.

Daniel A. Cox, Ruy Teixeira
June 29, 2023

The 2024 Presidential Election: Evolving Political Coalitions and Familiar Partisan Divisions

Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the AEI Survey Center on American Life conducted a national survey of Americans that explored a wide range of political attitudes, current voting preferences, and perceptions of the political parties. Continue Reading →