The Anti-Scientists Bias: The Role of Feelings about Scientists on COVID-19 Attitudes and Behaviors

Across 3 studies, we investigated who expresses concern for COVID-19, or coronavirus, and engages in behaviors that are consistent with slowing the spread of COVID-19. In Studies 1 2 (n=415, n=199), those warmer feelings towards scientists were more concerned engaged greater COVID-preventative behaviors, regardless partisanship. That is, an anti-scientists bias was related to lessened less preventive behaviors. Furthermore, most optimistic about hydroxychloroquine, a purported but unproven treatment against virus, likely engage designed decrease Study (n=259), asking participants watch scientist discuss hydroxychloroquine on Fox News led people endorsement COVID short, positive scientists, rather than political attitudes knowledge, willing pandemic reducing These not immutable can be changed by scientific out-reach.