COVID-19 and Motivated Reasoning: The Influence of Knowledge on COVID-Related Policy and Health Behavior
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Updated: Oct 29, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
1Utah Valley University.
Objective:
The spread of misinformation about COVID-19 severely influences the governments' ability to address the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the predictors of accurate beliefs about COVID-19 and its influence on COVID-related policy and behavior.
Methods:
Data from an original survey collected by Lucid in July 2020 are used. Ordinary Least Squares regression (OLS) is used to predict accurate beliefs about COVID-19. Ordered logistic regression models are estimated to examine the relationship between COVID-19 knowledge, policy preferences, and health behavior intentions.
Results:
Ideology and education were found to have a positive effect on knowledge about COVID-19. Moreover, low levels of knowledge about COVID-19 were found to reduce support for mandatory vaccination policy and willingness to get a coronavirus vaccine when available.
Conclusion:
These findings will help policymakers develop communication strategies for the public on the coronavirus vaccination.
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