All Episodes
Binary Questions Distort Public Opinion, Empower Extremes
Binary questions distort public opinion, creating an illusion of polarization that empowers extremes. Discover how nuanced measurement reveals a less divided electorate and informs better policy.
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Dishonesty Selects for Public Service, Amplifying Systemic Inequity
Academic dishonesty predicts entry and success in public service, suggesting institutions may inadvertently select for those who lack integrity, with downstream consequences for governance.
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AI Accelerates Research But Demands Rigorous Human Audit
AI accelerates research but risks spreading plausible inaccuracies. Human audit is crucial to validate AI outputs and ensure trustworthy, accurate findings.
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Primary Elections Explain Tiny Fraction of Congressional Polarization
Primary elections explain only 1% of congressional polarization, challenging the idea that they drive lawmaker extremism. Other factors are more influential.
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Politicians' Cynical Voter Theories Fuel Disillusionment and Misguided Campaigns
Politicians misjudge voters as short-sighted and single-issue focused, a consistent global view that disconnects them from citizens' more rational, policy-oriented self-perceptions.
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Psychology Professors Self-Censor Controversial Empirical Conclusions Due to Social Sanctions
Psychology professors self-censor controversial conclusions, fearing social repercussions more than job loss, creating a distorted view of academic consensus.
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Gerrymandering: Not a National Advantage, But Fewer Competitive Seats
Partisan gerrymandering offers minimal national advantage but significantly reduces electoral competition, creating safer districts and potentially increasing polarization.
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Extremist Nominees Trigger Major Fundraising Penalties
Nominating extreme candidates costs parties significantly in general election fundraising, especially in competitive districts, as donors prioritize electability over ideology, weakening their moderating influence.
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Populism's Stagnant Economy and Eroding Institutions
Populist leaders erode democratic institutions and stunt GDP per capita by about 10% over a decade, failing to reduce inequality and ushering in prolonged stagnation.
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Political Science Research: A Crisis of Statistical Power
Most political science studies have a mere 10-20% chance of detecting a real effect, meaning published findings are unreliable and effect sizes are massively inflated due to pervasive underpowering.
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