This week, I have been working on understanding the connection between factors that impact health and medical decision making and belief in conspiracy theories. To do so, I have been using theory-driven approach that helps inform our understanding of such relationships. This kind of work is important because it provides a framework that allows us to understand the mechanisms underlying how such beliefs form and influence behavior. Understanding how and why a behavior occurs allows us to design and implement community-based interventions to address the behavior.
Over this past week, I have been gaining more confidence and experience with conducting research and interpreting the results. I have learned that prioritizing clarity in presenting information is key for all audiences. I’m excited to extend what I have learned about to the community more broadly, with the ultimate goal of understanding how to reduce susceptibility to misinformation down the line. Stay tuned for more updates!