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.
Research Findings
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.
Journalists Trying To Help Readers Cope May Mislead on Holiday-Suicide Myth
Despite the fact that the holiday season has some of the lowest average daily suicide rates, some journalists continue to inadvertently perpetuate the holiday-suicide myth.
Science Media Monitor Examines How News Media Cover Gene Editing and Scientific Retractions
The Annenberg Public Policy Center has released a pair of Science Media Monitor reports analyzing how the news media cover the ethical questions surrounding gene editing with CRISRP/Cas9, and scientific retractions.
Does Teen Cannabis Use Lead to Behavior Problems – or Vice Versa?
Research finds that cannabis use among teens does not appear to lead to greater conduct problems or greater affiliation with other teens who smoke cannabis -- it's teens with conduct problems who are more likely to gravitate toward cannabis use.
Extreme Weather and Climate Skeptics Are Research Focus of APPC Postdocs
Experiencing extreme weather is not enough to convince climate change skeptics that humans are damaging the environment, according to a new study based on APPC research.
The Effects of News Coverage on Familiarity with Zika
A study of media coverage of the 2016 Zika virus outbreak found that while stories focused more heavily on certain risk aspects than others, it was the volume of Zika news coverage that increased public familiarity.
National Academies Report on GMOs Influences Tone of Public Debate
Public sentiment on GMOs shifted following the release of a consensus report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, a study finds.
Civics Knowledge Predicts Willingness to Protect Supreme Court
The annual Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey found that Americans are familiar with constitutional provisions involving impeachment and pardons, issues that are in the news. But they know less about fundamentals like the three branches of government.