September 10, 2024

The PCI gathered over 600 people from universities across the country in virtual debate watches to assess the effects of debate viewing on people’s evaluations of the candidates and their overall feelings about the election. Over 350 people completed the study from seven states, including students from the University of Akron, the University of Alabama, the University of Arkansas, Iowa State University, the University of Louisville, Marquette University, the University of Missouri, Missouri State University, and Washington University (St. Louis). 

Participants answered a survey about where they stand on the election immediately prior to watching the debate, then viewed the live debate via Zoom with the PCI research team. After the debate, they were invited to complete a post-debate questionnaire asking them to evaluate how candidates performed and to update their responses to pre-debate questions. 

The results showed that 18% of participants were undecided about who to vote for before the debate, and 6% of participants moved from undecided to supporting a candidate after viewing the debate. Harris picked up 5% of the undecided voters, and Trump picked up the remaining 1%. 

Prior to the debate, many voters indicated that they didn’t have enough information about Harris or her policy positions to make an informed decision, but most participants were comfortable that they knew enough about Trump. After the debate, voters reported learning quite a bit about Harris, but not learning much about Trump. 

PCI Director Ben Warner said that the effect of debates on electoral outcomes is subject to scholarly debate, but the research on their informational value to voters is unequivocal. “Countless studies show that people learn from viewing debates, and they report increased confidence that they have enough information about the election to meaningfully participate. Whether they influence the ultimate outcome, there is no denying that they are good for the viewers.”