Political scientist James Druckman discusses takeaways of state-by-state polling during the pandemic
COVID-19 Research
New study finds effective anti-viral therapies are not widely used among Americans
A national poll recently found that FDA-approved anti-viral therapies Paxlovid and Molnupiravir are not popular among Americans, despite their effectiveness against the COVID-19 virus. According to the survey, only 11% of infected individuals had been prescribed with the antiviral therapy. The...
Study examines sources of information among parents of vaccinated and unvaccinated children
A recent poll conducted by the COVID States Project found a significant disparity among information sources between parents with and without vaccinated children. The survey included two distinct question types (list selection and open-ended questions) and was distributed around the country...
Studies suggest partial identification may help doctors make critical decisions
In the world of medicine, doctors often need to provide binary answers to patients, even if they do not have all the information necessary to make a decision. Northwestern professor and economist Charles Manski suggests medical professionals use partial identification...
Early stages of omicron had only a modest impact on booster uptake
A national poll finds that nearly half (47%) of previously vaccinated respondents are booster hesitant or resistant, showing only a modest change in conviction, even after the World Health Organization recently (WHO) announced the risk posed by the rapidly spreading omicron variant. “This...
Professor James Druckman finds majority of unvaccinated Americans are concerned enough about COVID-19 to wear masks
In a recent survey, Professor James Druckman, of the Department of Political Science, found that while 29% of Americans are still unvaccinated, nearly two-thirds of this group are concerned enough about the spread of COVID-19 to regularly wear a mask. “This...
New survey finds that support for vaccine mandates remains high
As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, President Biden has taken a harder stance against those unwilling to vaccinate by issuing vaccine mandates. Professor James Druckman, of the Department of Political Science, found that most Americans continue to support his mandates —...
Study on COVID-19 antibodies underscores the importance of receiving the second vaccine dose
Professor Thomas McDade, of the Department of Anthropology, found that two months after the second Pfizer/Moderna vaccination, antibody response decreases by 20% in adults with prior cases of COVID-19. McDade and a team of biological anthropologists tested blood samples from adults...
Study finds that Facebook plays role in COVID-19 misinformation
On July 15, President Biden claimed that Facebook and other social media platforms were "killing people" by spreading misinformation about the coronavirus. Though Facebook quickly rebutted Biden's statement, Political Science Professor James Druckman found that Facebook does play a role...
Study finds Republicans more likely to get vaccinated when encouraged by Republican officials
Professor James Druckman, of the Department of Political Science, found that Republicans are more likely to get vaccinated when they are encouraged to do so by top Republican political figures. The number of Americans willing to get vaccinated continues to rise...
Professor James Druckman on how mental health remains on the downturn as the pandemic, economy improve
With states reopening and vaccination rates on the incline, many are hopeful that the pandemic is finally coming to an end. However, a national survey conducted by researchers from Northwestern, Harvard, Northeastern, and Rutgers found that depression and other mental...