Ralph Scott
@ralphscott.bsky.social
Leverhulme research fellow in politics at Bristol uni. ITV psephologist.
Investigating the effect of education on political attitudes and behaviour, among other things.
ralphscott.co.uk
Investigating the effect of education on political attitudes and behaviour, among other things.
ralphscott.co.uk
Pinned
Ralph Scott
@ralphscott.bsky.social
· Jul 14
📣 NEW PAPER ALERT! 🚨
"School subject choices in adolescence affect political party support"
Just published in @wepsocial.bsky.social with @nspmartin.bsky.social and @rolandkappe.bsky.social.
doi.org/10.1080/0140...
🧵👇
"School subject choices in adolescence affect political party support"
Just published in @wepsocial.bsky.social with @nspmartin.bsky.social and @rolandkappe.bsky.social.
doi.org/10.1080/0140...
🧵👇
Reposted by Ralph Scott
Thrilled to share my new article in Political Psychology: “The psychology of political attitudinal volatility.” In it, I attempt to answer why do some people change their political views more than others? Open access at: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Thrilled to share my new article in Political Psychology: “The psychology of political attitudinal volatility.” In it, I attempt to answer why do some people change their political views more than others? Open access at: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
@ispp-pops.bsky.social
Reposted by Ralph Scott
They remain the only government in my lifetime without a theory of how economic growth happens and a determination that it definitely not be through universities, immigration, high skilled services, tax simplification, trade relations etc
November 24, 2025 at 8:34 AM
They remain the only government in my lifetime without a theory of how economic growth happens and a determination that it definitely not be through universities, immigration, high skilled services, tax simplification, trade relations etc
Reposted by Ralph Scott
For context
- International fees across UK unis is £10.3 billlion
- About a fifth of total income of about £52 billion/year
(International fees 23% of total income in 2023/24 v 5% in 90s)
- A 6% levy on international fees about £620m: so a bit above 1% of total university income, but uneven impact
- International fees across UK unis is £10.3 billlion
- About a fifth of total income of about £52 billion/year
(International fees 23% of total income in 2023/24 v 5% in 90s)
- A 6% levy on international fees about £620m: so a bit above 1% of total university income, but uneven impact
November 23, 2025 at 10:47 PM
For context
- International fees across UK unis is £10.3 billlion
- About a fifth of total income of about £52 billion/year
(International fees 23% of total income in 2023/24 v 5% in 90s)
- A 6% levy on international fees about £620m: so a bit above 1% of total university income, but uneven impact
- International fees across UK unis is £10.3 billlion
- About a fifth of total income of about £52 billion/year
(International fees 23% of total income in 2023/24 v 5% in 90s)
- A 6% levy on international fees about £620m: so a bit above 1% of total university income, but uneven impact
Reposted by Ralph Scott
'Ahead of the autumn budget on 26 November, Universities UK (UUK) has calculated that funding per student for teaching in 2025-26 is at 64 per cent of the level it was in 2015-16.' 1/3
University teaching income ‘£6.4 billon less’ than 10 years ago
UUK says shortfall in teaching money is ‘baked in’ to higher education funding system as institutions brace for new tax in upcoming budget
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:45 AM
'Ahead of the autumn budget on 26 November, Universities UK (UUK) has calculated that funding per student for teaching in 2025-26 is at 64 per cent of the level it was in 2015-16.' 1/3
Reposted by Ralph Scott
Why do people think England flags have been raised on lampposts?
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
November 21, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Why do people think England flags have been raised on lampposts?
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
White adults
National pride: 26%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 49%
Both: 19%
Ethnic minority adults
National pride: 15%
Anti-migrant/minority sentiment: 55%
Both: 20%
yougov.co.uk/society/arti...
Reposted by Ralph Scott
I asked grok who was the better role model for humanity, Jesus Christ or Elon Musk. GUESS WHAT.
November 20, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I asked grok who was the better role model for humanity, Jesus Christ or Elon Musk. GUESS WHAT.
Reposted by Ralph Scott
Men will spend billions on building their own AI rather than go to therapy.
November 20, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Men will spend billions on building their own AI rather than go to therapy.
Love this, particularly the pen portraits
🔔 New post 🔔 Ok, this was a bit of a 'take a deep breath' moment! - I'm intrigued about how much pushback I'll get.
The disiciplines theory of government
Are a small number of legacy disciplines dragging the whole operation down?
medium.com/@jamestplunk...
The disiciplines theory of government
Are a small number of legacy disciplines dragging the whole operation down?
medium.com/@jamestplunk...
The disciplines theory of government
Are legacy disciplines dragging the whole operation down?
medium.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Love this, particularly the pen portraits
Reposted by Ralph Scott
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
November 19, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The UK isn’t a “soft touch” on asylum.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
UK asylum seeker benefits are similar to European neighbours
No right to work before 12 months (it’s 6 months in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands)
UK settlement after 5 years (it’s 3 or 4 in Germany)
Let’s cut out the alarmist rhetoric.
Reposted by Ralph Scott
Several recent studies have found that politicians aren't very good at estimating public support for policies. But we have little idea about whether politicians are good at knowing which issues are more important to voters. Our new publication has a first go at answering this question rdcu.be/eQGm4
How Politicians (mis)Perceive Policy Salience
eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Several recent studies have found that politicians aren't very good at estimating public support for policies. But we have little idea about whether politicians are good at knowing which issues are more important to voters. Our new publication has a first go at answering this question rdcu.be/eQGm4
Private equity bilking UK consumers, example #3745
November 19, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Private equity bilking UK consumers, example #3745
Reposted by Ralph Scott
new paper by Sean Westwood:
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
November 18, 2025 at 7:16 PM
new paper by Sean Westwood:
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
With current technology, it is impossible to tell whether survey respondents are real or bots. Among other things, makes it easy for bad actors to manipulate outcomes. No good news here for the future of online-based survey research
If I could repost this 1000 times!
If you want to control something, the most basic thing you need are accurate data. British policy making is strewn with examples of failing to understand that fundamental point.
November 18, 2025 at 11:37 AM
If I could repost this 1000 times!
Reposted by Ralph Scott
Look at the drop in October when everyone thought Income Tax was going to rise. 4.7% looks like the target now.
November 14, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Look at the drop in October when everyone thought Income Tax was going to rise. 4.7% looks like the target now.
Reposted by Ralph Scott
Is AI making job recruitment less meritocratic? We're getting some v interesting research studies on this question now, and the news is... not good. @jburnmurdoch.ft.com & I dive in, in the latest edition of our newsletter The AI Shift www.ft.com/content/e5b7...
November 14, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Is AI making job recruitment less meritocratic? We're getting some v interesting research studies on this question now, and the news is... not good. @jburnmurdoch.ft.com & I dive in, in the latest edition of our newsletter The AI Shift www.ft.com/content/e5b7...
Reposted by Ralph Scott
📊 We're hiring a Senior Quantitative Manager!
Can you turn data into creative, high-quality analysis and visualisation?
Experienced with applied quantitative methods and using national survey datasets?
Then we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now: https://bit.ly/3LqTdzQ
Can you turn data into creative, high-quality analysis and visualisation?
Experienced with applied quantitative methods and using national survey datasets?
Then we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now: https://bit.ly/3LqTdzQ
Octo Candidates - Application Form - Vacancy Details
jrf.octo-firstclass.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 3:12 PM
📊 We're hiring a Senior Quantitative Manager!
Can you turn data into creative, high-quality analysis and visualisation?
Experienced with applied quantitative methods and using national survey datasets?
Then we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now: https://bit.ly/3LqTdzQ
Can you turn data into creative, high-quality analysis and visualisation?
Experienced with applied quantitative methods and using national survey datasets?
Then we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now: https://bit.ly/3LqTdzQ
Reposted by Ralph Scott
🚨 New paper with Maria Grasso on generational shifts in political values. Despite talk of rising age polarisation, we show that gaps in attitudes are stable or even narrowing. Economic attitudes move in cycles, while social values have become more liberal – mainly due to generational replacement.
Political Socialisation in the UK: Describing Generational Changes of Values - International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society
A growing bulk of research examines intergenerational shifts in attitudes and the extent to which they are attributable to new cohorts of voters being socialised under different socioeconomic and cult...
link.springer.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:29 AM
🚨 New paper with Maria Grasso on generational shifts in political values. Despite talk of rising age polarisation, we show that gaps in attitudes are stable or even narrowing. Economic attitudes move in cycles, while social values have become more liberal – mainly due to generational replacement.
Reposted by Ralph Scott
The senior leadership team at @edinburghuniversity plan to cut staff expenditure by £90m, which is more than 10%.
This would mean about 1 in 8 members of staff losing their jobs. With hundreds of jobs already lost, a further 1,000+ jobs are on the line.
www.instagram.com/p/DQuFjwBjHB5/
This would mean about 1 in 8 members of staff losing their jobs. With hundreds of jobs already lost, a further 1,000+ jobs are on the line.
www.instagram.com/p/DQuFjwBjHB5/
November 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The senior leadership team at @edinburghuniversity plan to cut staff expenditure by £90m, which is more than 10%.
This would mean about 1 in 8 members of staff losing their jobs. With hundreds of jobs already lost, a further 1,000+ jobs are on the line.
www.instagram.com/p/DQuFjwBjHB5/
This would mean about 1 in 8 members of staff losing their jobs. With hundreds of jobs already lost, a further 1,000+ jobs are on the line.
www.instagram.com/p/DQuFjwBjHB5/
Reposted by Ralph Scott
New article in @journalrep.bsky.social on British Ethnic Minority Brexit Voter Attitudes to Immigration
#OpenAccess from @journalrep.bsky.social -
Immigrants Against Immigration: British Ethnic Minority Brexit Voter Attitudes to Immigration - https://cup.org/3WPrz1S
"White British Leave voters... rarely distinguished between EU and non-EU migrants"
- @neemabegum.bsky.social
#FirstView #Brexit
Immigrants Against Immigration: British Ethnic Minority Brexit Voter Attitudes to Immigration - https://cup.org/3WPrz1S
"White British Leave voters... rarely distinguished between EU and non-EU migrants"
- @neemabegum.bsky.social
#FirstView #Brexit
November 12, 2025 at 2:44 PM
New article in @journalrep.bsky.social on British Ethnic Minority Brexit Voter Attitudes to Immigration
Reposted by Ralph Scott
What is the most profitable industry in the world, this side of the law? Not oil, not IT, not pharma.
It's *scientific publishing*.
We call this the Drain of Scientific Publishing.
Paper: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Background: doi.org/10.1162/qss_...
Thread @markhanson.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy 👇
It's *scientific publishing*.
We call this the Drain of Scientific Publishing.
Paper: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Background: doi.org/10.1162/qss_...
Thread @markhanson.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy 👇
November 12, 2025 at 10:31 AM
What is the most profitable industry in the world, this side of the law? Not oil, not IT, not pharma.
It's *scientific publishing*.
We call this the Drain of Scientific Publishing.
Paper: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Background: doi.org/10.1162/qss_...
Thread @markhanson.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy 👇
It's *scientific publishing*.
We call this the Drain of Scientific Publishing.
Paper: arxiv.org/abs/2511.04820
Background: doi.org/10.1162/qss_...
Thread @markhanson.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy 👇
Reposted by Ralph Scott
🚨 NEW in @bjpols.bsky.social : When Partygate hit Westminster, trust in Scottish politicians increased. Our experiments reveal a "contrast effect" - scandals at one level can make the other look better by comparison. Who lost most trust in Westminster? Scottish unionists. Read now #OpenAccess 👇
November 11, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🚨 NEW in @bjpols.bsky.social : When Partygate hit Westminster, trust in Scottish politicians increased. Our experiments reveal a "contrast effect" - scandals at one level can make the other look better by comparison. Who lost most trust in Westminster? Scottish unionists. Read now #OpenAccess 👇
Reposted by Ralph Scott
One week left to apply for the postdoc position -- the deadline is on the 17th of November: www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
(and two weeks left to apply for the PhD positions, the deadline is on the 24th of November: www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...)
(and two weeks left to apply for the PhD positions, the deadline is on the 24th of November: www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...)
November 10, 2025 at 9:42 AM
One week left to apply for the postdoc position -- the deadline is on the 17th of November: www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...
(and two weeks left to apply for the PhD positions, the deadline is on the 24th of November: www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...)
(and two weeks left to apply for the PhD positions, the deadline is on the 24th of November: www.jobbnorge.no/en/available...)
Reposted by Ralph Scott
@naomialderman.bsky.social's new book: "A friend - who’s read the book - texted me yesterday to say “I see they’ve decided to burn Tim Davie at the stake today”. And so I thought it was probably the right time to put this extract on Substack." naomialderman.substack.com/p/the-bbc-an...
the BBC and why it needs defending
even if you don't always agree with it, and sometimes it does things that you think are outright terrible
naomialderman.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:47 AM
@naomialderman.bsky.social's new book: "A friend - who’s read the book - texted me yesterday to say “I see they’ve decided to burn Tim Davie at the stake today”. And so I thought it was probably the right time to put this extract on Substack." naomialderman.substack.com/p/the-bbc-an...
Reposted by Ralph Scott
📢8 days to apply to this 2-year postdoc!📢
Join @jdasmunshi.bsky.social + @georgeploubidis.bsky.social + me to do research using data from @clscohorts.bsky.social and beyond, as well as linkages to health and administrative data, to examine population mental health inequalities over the life course!
Join @jdasmunshi.bsky.social + @georgeploubidis.bsky.social + me to do research using data from @clscohorts.bsky.social and beyond, as well as linkages to health and administrative data, to examine population mental health inequalities over the life course!
🚨Job alert!🚨
We are looking for a 🧮 quant postdoc researcher to join the AMAZING Jay Das-Munshi @jdasmunshi.bsky.social George Ploubidis @georgeploubidis.bsky.social & myself at @kingscsmh.bsky.social in collab with @clscohorts.bsky.social
All info: my.corehr.com/pls/kclrecru...
Closes 18 Nov!
We are looking for a 🧮 quant postdoc researcher to join the AMAZING Jay Das-Munshi @jdasmunshi.bsky.social George Ploubidis @georgeploubidis.bsky.social & myself at @kingscsmh.bsky.social in collab with @clscohorts.bsky.social
All info: my.corehr.com/pls/kclrecru...
Closes 18 Nov!
my.corehr.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:44 AM
📢8 days to apply to this 2-year postdoc!📢
Join @jdasmunshi.bsky.social + @georgeploubidis.bsky.social + me to do research using data from @clscohorts.bsky.social and beyond, as well as linkages to health and administrative data, to examine population mental health inequalities over the life course!
Join @jdasmunshi.bsky.social + @georgeploubidis.bsky.social + me to do research using data from @clscohorts.bsky.social and beyond, as well as linkages to health and administrative data, to examine population mental health inequalities over the life course!
Reposted by Ralph Scott
I feel like I could live with the brass neck - it is the seemingly successful way that he and others have brainwashed themselves into thinking “our crumbling justice system” has an explanation beyond “we didn’t spend enough money on it” that I can’t stand.
November 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
I feel like I could live with the brass neck - it is the seemingly successful way that he and others have brainwashed themselves into thinking “our crumbling justice system” has an explanation beyond “we didn’t spend enough money on it” that I can’t stand.