The Role of Statistical Literacy in Risk Assessment and Behavior - Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Journal
SSRN Electronic Journal
ISSN
1556-5068
Type
working paper
Date Issued
2022-04
Author(s)
Abstract
We study the role of statistical literacy in people's assessment of risk by analyzing risk expectations and behavior in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a largescale panel survey of about 4,000 Dutch households, we find that more statistically literate people adjust their risk estimates more strongly to the actual infection risk, measured by the current number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in their home province. Consistently, they are more likely to socially distance, especially when local cases are high. We also show that statistically more literate people evaluate the risks and benefits of a vaccination against COVID-19 differently and are more likeley to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Language
English
Keywords
JEL classification: D84
I12
I18
I20 statistical literacy
COVID-19
risk estimates
social distancing
vaccination
Publisher
Elsevier BV
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Name
statistical literacy.pdf
Size
437.45 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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