Annenberg Science Knowledge survey

The Annenberg Science Knowledge (ASK) survey, which began in February 2016, is a public opinion research project dedicated to exploring pressing questions in science communication. Weekly tracking surveys focus on such issues as public knowledge and concern about Zika virus, support for public policies to combat it, and related health and behavioral implications. ASK surveys also have gauged public opinion and knowledge on related science issues such as genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and vaccines.

One way to prevent the spread of Zika is to eradicate mosquitoes carrying it. Credit: Lauren Bishop/CDC National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases.

Alarm and Response for Emerging Health Threats: Social Media, News and Zika

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey July 23, 2018

Social and news media have different associations with risk perceptions and preventive behavior in an emerging health threat such as Zika, according to new research.

Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can transmit Zika virus. Credit: James Gathany/CDC

Floridians Took Zika Virus More Seriously Than Rest of U.S., But Most Did Nothing

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey June 13, 2018

Threatened by the mosquito-borne Zika virus in 2016, Florida residents were much more likely than non-Floridians to report taking protective measures. Even so, fewer than half of Floridians said they actually did so.

A Zika virus researcher at the NIAID Vaccine Research Center pipets samples. Credit: NIAID.

False Beliefs About MMR Vaccine Found to Influence Acceptance of Zika Vaccine

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey March 15, 2018

People’s willingness to use a Zika vaccine when it’s available will be influenced by how they weigh the risks associated with the disease and the vaccine, but also by their misconceptions about other vaccines, a new study has found.

Vials of NIAID's Zika Virus Investigational DNA Vaccine, taken at the NIAID Vaccine Research Center’s Pilot Plant in Frederick, MD. Credit: NIAID.

Public Trust in Science Spiked After News Reports of Zika Vaccine Trial

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey July 31, 2017

How can the public’s confidence in science be strengthened? A new study finding that public confidence in science spiked following coverage of the Zika vaccine trial in 2016 suggests a way to improve trust in science on a more sustained basis.

Cross-pressuring conservative Catholics? Effects of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the U.S. public opinion on climate change

October 24, 2016

Pope Francis greets crowds at Vargihna. Credit: Agência Brasil/Tânia Rêgo.

Pope’s Encyclical Did Not Raise Broad Public Concern Over Climate Change

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey October 24, 2016

Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on the environment, “Laudato Si’,” did not rally broad public support for climate change among Catholics and non-Catholics, according to a new study from researchers at the Annenberg Public Policy Center.

Aedes aegypti larvae. Credit: CDC/Harry D. Pratt.

Most in Florida Favor Use of Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Fight Zika

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey August 26, 2016

Most Floridians favor the use of genetically modified mosquitoes to fight the spread of Zika virus and are significantly more likely to approve of it than people who live outside Florida, the Annenberg Science Knowledge survey has found.

Female Aedes aegypti mosquito in netting. Credit: NIAID.

More Floridians Taking Precautions Against Zika Than Others in U.S.

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey August 19, 2016

Floridians see themselves at greater risk of being infected with Zika compared with other people nationally, and more Floridians than non-Florida residents have takening steps to protect themselves, an APPC survey finds.

Aedes mosquito examined under microscope. Credit: U.S. Air Force/Staff Sgt. Andrew Lee.

How the Media Can Better Inform the Public About Zika

Annenberg Science Knowledge survey August 16, 2016

Many Americans hold mistaken beliefs about Zika virus. To help provide the public with accurate information, the policy center has released a free "A Guide to Effective Zika Coverage" for writers, editors, reporters and broadcasters.

A Guide to Effective Zika Coverage

The new "Guide to Effective Zika Coverage," released by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, aims to help reporters, editors and broadcasters provide the public with essential information about the transmission, prevention and effects of Zika virus