Politics

Our research in Politics studies the effects of politics on today's society – how political action and events can affect one's thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Our studies aim to analyze societal beliefs on various political topics, such as progression and social justice, measure the effects of social movements, and understand society's thoughts on today's political landscape. More specifically, we have studied people's beliefs on social progress and justice, as well as the effectiveness of moral arguments and reframing on political communication and persuasion. Additionally, we have researched the impact of protest actions on support for social movements, as well as how these movements can affect those who are able to influence organizations to change. Currently, we are continuing our research in analyzing neutrality expressed in political conversations.

Sample Publications

Beliefs about linear social progress.

Hur, J. D., & Ruttan, R. L. (2024). Beliefs about linear social progress. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 50 (7), 1023-1039

Examining anger’s immobilizing effect on institutional insiders’ action intentions in social movements.

DeCelles, K. A., Sonenshein, S., & King, B. G. (2020). Examining anger’s immobilizing effect on institutional insiders’ action intentions in social movements. Administrative Science Quarterly, 65(4), 847-886.

The activist’s dilemma: Extreme protest actions reduce popular support for social movements.

Feinberg, M., Willer, R., & Kovacheff, C. (2020). The activist’s dilemma: Extreme protest actions reduce popular support for social movements. Journal of personality and social psychology, 119 (5), 1086

Moral reframing: A technique for effective and persuasive communication across political divides.

Feinberg, M., & Willer, R. (2019). Moral reframing: A technique for effective and persuasive communication across political divides. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 13(12), e12501.