In democracy, citizens, through elections, can significantly influence the executive branch of the government, hence the final shape of civic life in their countries. We research voting behaviors, because they shape our states and countries.
research
Behavior
We carry out research in various disciplines and areas of life to find solutions to problems and challenges that the world throws at us nowadays. Increasing digitalization, information overload, fast-paced work environment, sedentary lifestyle, and bad eating habits coupled with social and political conflicts and degradation of the natural environment... are just the tip of the iceberg that we must deal with in the 21st century.
SWPS University carries out advanced research in many disciplines, such as psychology, cultural studies, social sciences, law as well as art and design. As scientists, we aim to provide research-based data-driven solutions that are both practical and useful, and truly improve the quality of life for individuals and whole communities, making the world a better place.
When there is no understanding,
agora disappears
We talk with Professor Mikołaj Cześnik, Director of SWPS University’s Institute of Social Sciences about citizen’s trust towards political institutions, activation of young and mature voters, and challenges that Europe is facing in the 21st century.
read the interview
Research projects and applications
We carry out multifaceted studies on democracy, voting behaviors, social movements and civic participation.
Did you know that....
SWPS University is participating in Central European Digital Media Observatory (CEDMO), an international project that aims to monitor, analyze and counteract media disinformation.
Learn more:
Read about detecting and researching disinformation in the CEE
In 2014, 25 years after the political transformation in Poland, SWPS University’s Center for the Study of Democracy carried out a Democratic Audit of Poland. It was the first ever attempt to complete a comprehensive comparative overview of the state of democracy in the country which had undergone rapid changes after the fall of the Soviet bloc.
Learn more about:
Read the Democratic Audit of Poland report
Electoral participation in Poland is related to the social structure. Research conducted by the academics from the General Election Study indicates that electoral absenteeism is closely related to factors such as gender, age, education, economic status, and adherence to religious practices. What other factors influence electoral participation?
Learn more:
Read the article “Why don’t people vote? About political political apathy of Poles.”
Narcissism is not only an individual trait, but can also manifest in groups. Collective narcissism is a conviction of special status and superiority of one’s own group over others. Find out how collective narcissism can manifest in a national or state context.
Learn more about:
Read an article “Their own worst enemy? Collective narcissists are willing to conspire against their in-group”
National narcissists are willing to sacrifice others in pursuit of their own goals. Research carried out by academics from SWPS University’s Center for Research on Social Relations indicates that in critical situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, politicians may favor image management over the protection of fellow citizens.
Learn more:
Read an article “A Small Price to Pay: National Narcissism Predicts Readiness to Sacrifice In-Group Members to Defend the In-Group’s Image”
Research Centers
Specializing in neuroscience
Center for the Study of Democracy
The Center researches theories, models, and quality of democracy. Researchers study citizen participation in democratic and political processes, democratic innovations, social movements, as well as political views and attitudes. The goal of the Center is to improve the public sphere.
learn more
Center for Research on Social Relations
We conduct research on social relations in society as a whole and in smaller groups, such as teams and organizations, political parties, public institutions including public administration departments, health centers, schools as well as online communities, in groups sharing common identity, for example nationality, gender, and world view.
learn more
Youth Research Center
Youth Research Center, operating under the auspices of SWPS University, carries out interdisciplinary research in the area of youth studies. The Center not only brings together researcher at various stages of their careers, but also actively collaborates with the community and business partners with respect to the activation of young people.
learn more
see next research center
Research infrastructure
Cutting-edge research requires professional tools and methodologies

Comparative Study of Electoral Systems
The CSES is a collaborative program of research among election study teams from around the world. Participating countries and provinces include a common module of survey questions in their post-election studies. The resulting data are deposited along with voting, demographic, district and macro/electoral system variables. The studies are then merged into a single, free, public dataset for use in comparative study and cross-level analysis. The research agenda, questionnaires, and study design are developed by an international committee of leading scholars of electoral politics, political science, and survey research. The design is then implemented in each country and province by their foremost social scientists.

EES - European Election System
The European Election Studies (EES) offer data about electoral behaviour in European Parliament elections. Collecting survey data as well as a variety of other data types, they cover topics such as the evolution of a political community in the European Union, citizens' perceptions of and preferences about the EU political regime, and the evaluation of its political performance. They offer wide opportunities for comparative and longitudinal analyses across the EU member states.