Faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences pursue collaborative research agendas linked to political communication. They focus undergraduate students’ attention on the symbiosis between politics and communication, with special emphasis on digital technology’s growing role in campaigns and public policy debates. Faculty affiliated with the Center for Political Communication regularly conduct cutting-edge research through national and statewide public opinion polls. Studies sponsored by the CPC have received coverage in a wide range of news outlets, including the Atlantic, the New York Times, the Washington Post, USA Today, US News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Slate, and Wired.
Fall 2013 Public Opinion Poll: Delaware News and Politics
On October 30, 2013, the University of Delawares Center for Political Communication presented the results of a Fall 2013 public opinion poll in Delaware as part of the National Agenda 2013: Delaware and the Nation. The poll measured Delawareans’ opinions on Delaware news and politics, including topics such as gay marriage, voting rights, internet security and surveillance, and the standing of Delaware officials. Click here to read the presentation.
Researcher(s):
Brewer, Dr. Paul R.
Nationwide Study: Racial Images Shape Opinion on Voter ID Laws
A National Agenda Opinion Poll, conducted May 30 to June 5, 2012, by the University of Delawares Center for Political Communication revealed that support for voter identification laws is strongest among Americans who harbor negative sentiments toward African Americans.
Race and Social Problems, a Springer publication, published the findings of research faculty David C. Wilson and Paul R. Brewer in an October 2014 article. The study used data from the 2012 national survey to test whether exposure to racial imagery affects support for voter ID laws. The study revealed that seeing a photograph of African Americans using voting machines affected how white respondents answered a survey question about voter ID laws. White survey respondents who saw this image expressed stronger support for voter ID laws than those who saw no image. Seeing an image of white Americans using voting machines did not affect white respondents’ support. News outlets such as The Washington Post and The Huffington Post reported study’s findings.
Researcher(s):
Brewer, Dr. Paul R.
U.S. Senate incumbent Chris Coons leads Republican opponent, Christine O’Donnell
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The Center for Political Communication released results from a September 2010 survey indicating Delaware Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, Chris Coons held a 19-point lead over Republican opponent, Christine O’Donnell. Data from the CPC’s National Agenda Poll shows 49% supporting Coons while 30% supporting O’Donnell. Coons’ lead widens to 24 points when probable decisions are considered for the large number of undecided voters.
Researcher(s):
Begleiter, Ralph