Reference no: EM133224438

Read: "The Complex Psychology of Covid-19 Compliance"

This interconnectedness is perhaps exemplified in a recent study on the psychology of Covid compliance. Organisational psychologists found that stress, concern, trust in government, as well as the availability of social support are factors which impact the degree of compliance with Covid restrictions.

Thus while the natural sciences are able to help us identity and quantify problems, as well as outline potential solutions - helping us find out how viruses behave and transmit, as well as provide quantitative indicators such as R-numbers and optimum "social distancing" measures - our actual real-world approach cannot be dependent on just the natural sciences alone. In this case, the best scientific plan to curb the virus would be meaningless if there is little or no compliance. Thus, just as important as finding "scientifically sound" solutions is the implementation of such solutions. This is where the social sciences come in.

The researchers noted that "it is essential to understand how these factors - and more - interact not just in one place, but across countries and continents". Other than the factors outlined in the study, can you think of any other factors which can affect the degree of compliance with Covid restrictions? Why are these factors also important, and how do they interact with each other or with the factors outlined in the study? Do the these factors vary in impact across countries and regions, or are they "universal" in effect?

Secondly, briefly describe how a social scientist might go about investigating one of the factors you have identified above. In particular, think about what would the research question be for such a study, and how would you design an experiment to answer this question.