According to the latest Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey, 68% of Americans trust the Supreme Court to operate in the best interests of the American people, while 70% say that that court has “about the right amount of power.”
Research Findings
Proximity (Mis)perception: Public Awareness of Nuclear, Refinery, and Fracking Sites
Many people say they don't live near a nuclear, fracking, or refinery site when they do. A new study looks at how the public forms perceptions of proximity to risk sites such as nuclear, fracking and refinery sites.
Slower Growth in Working Memory Linked to Teen Driving Crashes
A new study from APPC and CHOP suggests that relatively slower growth of working memory is linked with teen driving crashes.
Americans’ Civics Knowledge Increases But Still Has a Long Way to Go
The 2019 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey finds that the American public knows more about civics and constitutional rights than in the recent past -- but still has a long way to go in civics knowledge.
Self-harm Images on Instagram Associated with Subsequent Self-harm in Viewers
A study of adults based on a two-wave survey finds an association between seeing images of self-harm on Instagram and subsequent self-harm. Most who say they've seen the images report being disturbed by them.
Do Most Americans Believe in Human-Caused Climate Change? It Depends on How You Ask.
In a new study, APPC researchers found that the percentage of Americans who believe in human-cause climate change depends on what is asked and how.
‘13 Reasons Why’ and Young Adults’ Risk of Suicide
Given the series’ popularity and its potentially harmful effects, researchers at APPC and three other institutions conducted a study to more fully understand the effects of the show through a survey of U.S. young adults, ages 18 to 29, before and after the May 2018 release of its second season.
Do adolescents have a natural tendency to engage in more risk-taking than children?
A new policy review of research on teen risk-taking finds that despite stereotypes to the contrary, the evidence does not support the notion of the out-of-control teenage brain.
Risk and Healthy Behavior in the American Adaptation of a Telenovela
In a pilot study, APPC researchers found that the American TV show "Jane the Virgin" features more risk behavior and less healthy behavior than the Spanish-language telenovela it was adapted from, "Juana la Virgen."
Can a Critic Who Becomes a Believer Sway Others? The Case of Genetically Modified Foods
When a critic turns believer, can the story of that conversion sway others? A new Annenberg Public Policy Center study examines the effect on public attitudes of a "conversion message" about the use of genetically modified foods.