Center for Political Communication

A group of college students sitting inside a theater interview a political candidate., recording the conversation with a laptop, cell phone and microphones.

Welcome to the Center for Political Communication

Welcome


The Center for Political Communication (CPC) is a nonpartisan, interdisciplinary research institute dedicated to the study and improvement of American democratic health with a focus on media and political psychology. CPC faculty come from across the fields of political science, communication, political psychology, public policy, and media effects to form collaborative research teams that tackle the most important challenges facing American democracy. Our research teams include graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in understanding how various forms of media influence -and are used by -citizens in ways that shape their political realities. 

Since 2010, the CPC has been conducting innovative research at the intersection of politics, public opinion, and media effects.

Latest News
  • A college professor and a student standing next to a research poster on an easel.

    Getting a Jump on Discovery

    September 04, 2026 | Written by Beth Miller
    At the University of Delaware, undergraduate research pairs Blue Hens with faculty mentors to inquire with impact, hone critical skills and open pathways to graduate study and careers.
  • 5 takeaways from Philadelphia democracy summit

    July 16, 2026 | Written by Carmen Russell-Sluchansky of WHYY
    University of Delaware professor Dannagal Young argued that people often seek information that reinforces their existing beliefs.
  • Laura Carlson inaugurated as UD’s 29th president

    April 18, 2026 | Written by Amy Wolf
    Campus-wide celebration highlighted University’s forward-focused chapter driven by shared purpose and community.

Upcoming UD Events

CPC ON SOCIAL

Social psychologist Dannagal G. Young breaks down the link between our psychology and politics, showing how personality types largely fall into people who prioritize openness and flexibility (liberals) and those who prefer order and certainty (conservatives). Hear why both sets of traits are crucial to any society -- and how our differences are being dangerously exploited to divide us.

YouTube Link The psychological traits that shape your political beliefs | Dannagal G. Young: youtube.com/watch?v=ZSJzPB4qrxU