Exploring "Truth Decay"

January 17, 2018

Over the past two decades, the role of facts and analysis in American public life has been diminishing, posing a threat to democracy and policymaking. With donor support, RAND president and CEO Michael Rich initiated a project with RAND political scientist Jennifer Kavanagh to investigate the phenomenon of "Truth Decay."

In this Call with the Experts, Rich and Kavanagh discuss the causes and consequences of Truth Decay and how they compare with previous eras in U.S. history. They also outline a research agenda to help determine what can be done to combat Truth Decay in the future. Media relations director Jeffrey Hiday moderates the call.

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Truth Decay: Fighting for Facts and Analysis
Jan 16, 2018
RAND is studying “Truth Decay”—the diminishing reliance on facts and analysis in American public life. Truth Decay presents a threat to both evidence-based policymaking and democracy. RAND invites fellow researchers and engaged stakeholders to join our efforts to find solutions.
Declining Trust in Facts and Institutions Imposes Costs on Society
Jan 16, 2018
Jennifer Kavanagh @jekavanagh, Michael D. Rich @michaeldrich
“Truth Decay” is the diminishing reliance on facts and analysis in American public life. It has many damaging consequences: the erosion of civil discourse, political paralysis, alienation and disengagement from political and civic institutions, and uncertainty over U.S. policy.
The Diminishing Role of Facts in American Public Life
Jan 17, 2018
Michael D. Rich @michaeldrich, Jennifer Kavanagh @jekavanagh
Without agreement about objective facts and a common understanding of and respect for data and analytical interpretations of those data, it becomes nearly impossible to have the types of meaningful policy debates that form the foundation of democracy.

Researcher Spotlight

Michael D. Rich

President and Chief Executive Officer, RAND Corporation

Michael D. Rich is president and chief executive officer of the RAND Corporation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. For more than 40 years, Rich has helped RAND become a leading source of expertise,…

Jennifer Kavanagh

Director, Strategy, Doctrine, and Resources Program, RAND Arroyo Center

Jennifer Kavanagh is a senior political scientist at the RAND Corporation and director of the Arroyo Center's Strategy, Doctrine, and Resources Program. Her work focuses on U.S. military interventions, including factors that influence U.S. decisions to intervene and the characteristics that make…

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Exploring "Truth Decay"

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January 17, 2018

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Truth Decay: Fighting for Facts and Analysis

Declining Trust in Facts and Institutions Imposes Costs on Society

The Diminishing Role of Facts in American Public Life

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