Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — A new paper from a team at the Institute for Social Research, led by Brady West and Bill Axinn, explores new methods for collecting data for demographic research from national samples. In “Toward a New Approach to Creating Population-Representative Data for Demographic Research,” the team examines the use… Continue reading Paper explores more cost-efficient methods in survey research with national samples
Project: Survey Research Center
Consumer sentiment down amid disagreements on new government policies
ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment fell for the first time in six months, edging down 4% from December. While assessments of personal finances inched up for the fifth consecutive month, both the short- and long-run business outlook weakened in January, said economist Joanne Hsu, director of the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers. Enlarge image above Sentiment… Continue reading Consumer sentiment down amid disagreements on new government policies
Missing rebound: Youth drug use defies expectations, continues historic decline
ANN ARBOR—Adolescent drug use continued to drop in 2024, building on and extending the historically large decreases that occurred during the pandemic onset in 2020. “I expected adolescent drug use would rebound at least partially after the large declines that took place during the pandemic onset in 2020, which were among the largest ever recorded,”… Continue reading Missing rebound: Youth drug use defies expectations, continues historic decline
U-M study of COVID-19 deaths challenges claims, understanding of pandemic-era suicides
Narratives behind numbers point to need for better coordination, support by employers, communities, public health leaders in future crises, especially mental health ANN ARBOR—In what is believed to be the first study of its kind, University of Michigan researchers dug deeper into the numbers-only data of COVID-19-era suicides and evaluated the narratives contained in reports… Continue reading U-M study of COVID-19 deaths challenges claims, understanding of pandemic-era suicides
Poll shows role of close friendships in older adults’ health
Whether they’re lifelong buddies or recently connected, close to home or miles away, a new poll shows the key role that friends play in the lives and wellbeing of adults aged 50 and older. But it also reveals some challenges for those who have physical health or mental health issues – suggesting it may be… Continue reading Poll shows role of close friendships in older adults’ health
Holiday spending shaped by economic fears, partisan divides
ANN ARBOR—Americans are doing more than picking gifts this holiday season—they’re forecasting the economy. The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers, led by economist Joanne Hsu, offers insights into how consumer sentiment shapes holiday spending and broader economic trends. With over 75 years of data, the index has become a trusted economic barometer, illustrating that… Continue reading Holiday spending shaped by economic fears, partisan divides
Declining Fertility Rates Key to Narrowing U.S. Gender Pay Gap, Study Finds
A new study revealed that a decline in the number of children among U.S. employees has played a significant role in reducing the gender pay gap. Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics Director Alexandra Killewald and Harvard University PhD Candidate in Sociology Nino José Cricco published their findings in Social Forces in November. “Having children leads to wage losses for… Continue reading Declining Fertility Rates Key to Narrowing U.S. Gender Pay Gap, Study Finds
Declining Fertility Rates Key to Narrowing U.S. Gender Pay Gap, Study Finds
A new study revealed that a decline in the number of children among U.S. employees has played a significant role in reducing the gender pay gap. University of Michigan Professor of Sociology Alexandra Killewald and Harvard University PhD Candidate in Sociology Nino José Cricco published their findings in Social Forces in November. “Having children leads… Continue reading Declining Fertility Rates Key to Narrowing U.S. Gender Pay Gap, Study Finds
State program significantly reduces homelessness, utility insecurity, U-M report reveals
ANN ARBOR—The pilot of a Michigan program created to help improve health outcomes for pregnant parents and their children shows positive impacts on families, including food and financial security and housing stability, according to a new report from the University of Michigan’s Youth Policy Lab. The report revealed that families participating in the Healthy Moms Healthy Babies pilot project,… Continue reading State program significantly reduces homelessness, utility insecurity, U-M report reveals
Election had minor influence on consumer sentiment trends
The presidential election did little to change overall trends in consumer views as consumer sentiment lifted for the fourth consecutive month, inching up to its highest reading since April 2024. Unsurprisingly, the prospect of Donald Trump’s economic policies has boosted the economic outlook of Republicans, while Democrats are more pessimistic about the path of the… Continue reading Election had minor influence on consumer sentiment trends