Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Short Reads

Short-form data and analysis from Pew Research Center writers and social scientists. To view all our reports and publications, visit our main Publications page.

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  • short reads

    Distracted Drivers

    About six-in-ten Americans report talking on a handheld phone while driving, a practice that some states have outlawed due to safety concerns.

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    Limited Black Confidence in Police

    Only about half (55%) of all African Americans express confidence in the police to do a good job enforcing the law.

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    God-less Science

    Four-in-ten scientists do not believe in God or a higher power.

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    Obama and the Middle East

    Roughly six-in-ten Americans say President Obama strikes the right balance between Israel and the Palestinians.

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    Talkin’ ’bout my Generation

    Most Americans believe there is a major difference between the views of younger and older people, and more than said so in 1969.

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    Drivers Wanted

    American life is driven by the automobile; not only is a car seen as an overwhelming necessity but most say not driving is a clear sign of old age.

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    Staying on the Job…Forever?

    More than half of the ‘Threshold Generation’ now say they plan to keep on working till after age 65–and maybe longer.

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    Palin Popular?

    Roughly as many Americans have a favorable as unfavorable opinion of Sarah Palin.