Oxford University study shows that one in five people believe that Coronavirus is a hoax [View all]
AN OXFORD university study has revealed one in five people believe to some extent that coronavirus is a hoax.
The research, led by clinical psychologists, was published today in the journal, Psychological Medicine.
The findings indicated that:
60% of adults believe to some extent that the government is misleading the public about the cause of the virus
40% believe to some extent the spread of the virus is a deliberate attempt by powerful people to gain control
20% believe to some extent that the virus is a hoax
From May 4 to 11, 2,500 adults, representative of the English population for age, gender, region, and income, took part in the Oxford Coronavirus Explanations, Attitudes, and Narratives Survey (OCEANS).
Daniel Freeman, professor of clinical psychology at the university, and consultant clinical psychologist at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Those who believe in conspiracy theories are less likely to follow government guidance, for example, staying home, not meeting with people outside their household, or staying 2m apart from other people when outside.
(More at link):
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/18468851.oxford-university-study-shows-publics-coronavirus-beliefs/
And this is in the UK, probably less tinfoil-inclined that the USA.
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