News

Vaccines: Philosophical, moral beliefs tied to religion determine acceptance

A longitudinal study conducted pre-COVID-19 considered Americans' attitudes toward vaccines for the flu, measles, HPV, and others.

• Culture & Media
• Health Communication

Annenberg Faculty Elected to 2021 Class of AAAS Fellows

Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Duncan Watts join eight other Penn scholars in their election to the newest class of Fellows.

A novel theory on how conspiracy theories take shape

In a new book, Dolores Albarracín, Kathleen Hall Jamieson, and colleagues show that two factors—the conservative media and societal fear and anxiety—have driven recent widespread conspiracies, from Pizzagate to those around COVID-19 vaccines.

• Culture & Media
• Health Communication
• Political Communication

The Role of Trust and Knowledge in Overcoming Vaccination Hesitancy

A new study finds willingness to be vaccinated against Covid-19 is anchored in factors such as trust in health authorities, knowledge about vaccination in general, flu vaccination history, and patterns of media reliance.

• Health Communication

One in Three Americans Say They Might Consider Abolishing or Limiting Supreme Court

An Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found sharp increases in Americans willing to abolish or limit the nation's highest court if it makes decisions with which they or Congress disagreed.

• Political Communication

Americans’ Civics Knowledge Increases During a Stress-Filled Year

A growing number of Americans can name the branches of government and the freedoms under the First Amendment though many still misunderstand basic facts about how government works.

• Political Communication

COVID-19 Conspiracy Beliefs Increased among Users of Conservative and Social Media

These increases in conspiracy beliefs were associated with less mask wearing and decreased intentions to get a vaccine.

• Health Communication
• Political Communication

Vaccine Science and Side Effects: How News Messages Affect Views on Vaccination

News about vaccine safety increases public acceptance of vaccines, but less so when juxtaposed with a personal narrative about side effects.

• Health Communication

Franklin Birthday Celebration Honors Jamieson With 2021 Franklin Founder Award

In her acceptance speech, Jamieson spoke about the resilience of democratic institutions in America.

• Political Communication

How Misinformed Vaccine Beliefs Affect Policy Views

Vaccine misperceptions are the strongest driver of opposition to pro-vaccination public policies.

• Health Communication
• Political Communication