A Reason to Believe: Examining the Factors that Determine Individual Views on Global Warming

Authors: Borick, Christopher P.¹; Rabe, Barry G.²

Source: Social Science Quarterly, Volume 91, Number 3, September 2010 , pp. 777-800(24)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

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Abstract:

Objectives.

In this article we examine the causes of both belief and disbelief in global warming among adult Americans. Methods.

We use national- and state-level telephone surveys to collect data on individual-level beliefs regarding climate change and employ ordered logistical regression to measures the relative effect of various factors on those beliefs. Results.

The study finds that U.S. views on climate change are being shaped by a combination of personal observations, meteorological events, and physical changes on the planet. The impact of various factors on one's belief in global warming are significantly determined by partisan affiliation, with Democrats and Republicans responding differently to assorted types of evidence. Conclusion.

Beliefs regarding global warming are being shaped by individual experiences and weather phenomenon and the processing of such factors is substantially influenced by a person's partisan leanings.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6237.2010.00719.x

Affiliations: 1: Muhlenberg College 2: University of Michigan

Publication date: 2010-09-01