Remote Teen Politics Research Study
Researchers at the University of Rochester are conducting a study on how political beliefs develop in teens and their parents.
Fast Facts
Teens 14-17 Years Old & Parent
Live in The Same Household
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
Researchers are studying how teens and their parents form political beliefs, especially about those with different views, to understand when and where polarized thinking develops and how to reduce it.
In this developmental psychology research study, parents and their teens (ages 14–17) are invited to complete two short, anonymous online surveys. The goal is to learn more about how people perceive political groups, what influences their political attitudes, and how trust and understanding across political lines form during adolescence.
By hearing from both parents and teens across the U.S., researchers hope to better understand how political polarization starts and how it may be influenced by family dynamics and community context. The findings will help identify key periods in adolescence when we may be able to support greater empathy and reduce political division.
Study Background
Researchers are studying how teens and their parents form political beliefs, especially about those with different views, to understand when and where polarized thinking develops and how to reduce it.
In this developmental psychology research study, parents and their teens (ages 14–17) are invited to complete two short, anonymous online surveys. The goal is to learn more about how people perceive political groups, what influences their political attitudes, and how trust and understanding across political lines form during adolescence.
By hearing from both parents and teens across the U.S., researchers hope to better understand how political polarization starts and how it may be influenced by family dynamics and community context. The findings will help identify key periods in adolescence when we may be able to support greater empathy and reduce political division.
Additional Information
This study is part of a larger effort to understand how political beliefs and social attitudes form and change across development, especially within families. Researchers are particularly interested in how teens and their parents think about people with different political views.
You and your parent may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Teens ages 14-17
- Parent willing to participate
- Live in the same household
- Speak English
- Live in the US
A parent or legal guardian completes a 20-minute anonymous online survey.
At the end of the survey, the parent will provide their contact information and consent for their teen to participate.
A member of the research team will email the parent a separate survey link for their teen.
The teen will give their assent and complete their own 20-minute survey.
Once both surveys are submitted, participation is complete.
Yes. Parents will receive a $20 Amazon gift card after both the parent and teen surveys are completed. This is a thank you for your family’s time and participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.