New study to investigate COVID-19 and misinformation

Researchers at the University of Bristol and King's College London are leading a major new study to investigate COVID-19 perceptions and misperceptions, lockdown compliance and vaccine hesitancy. The research team is gathering longitudinal survey data on trust and compliance with public health requirements over the course of the pandemic, enhancing and extending the 'Life Under Lockdown' study fielded between April and June this year. The study will examine whether trust and perceptions are stable over time - and whether the fundamental drivers of misperceptions and conspiracism can be identified. The research project will also assess whether endorsement of Covid-19 and vaccine conspiracies undermine trust and compliance. It will be delivered through analysis of new, high-quality survey data studying respondents over time. The project will be led by Dr Siobhan McAndrew from the University of Bristol, alongside King's College researchers, Dr Daniel Allington, Senior Lecturer in Social and Cultural Artificial and Bobby Duffy, Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Policy. Dr Siobhan McAndrew , Senior Lecturer in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies and Principal Investigator at Bristol, said: "'With the rise of social media, it is easier than ever before to discover new knowledge and to exchange views and beliefs with others.