http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/54532 2026-10-21T04:10:10Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/54542 Title: Scientific Knowledge, Perception and Attitudinal Changes during Corona Pandemic Authors: Raza, Gauhar; Singh, Surjit Abstract: This paper is based on a survey study conducted during the lockdown period in India. The data was collected through online and off-line questionnaire. Response to the call was received from 27 provinces of India but the sample remained northern-state-centric. The lockdown prevented us from organising face-to-face interviews. We received 2780 filled-in questionnaires, out of which 2223 were found to be valid and were subjected to data analysis. The article deals with description of pandemic as it developed, the scientific information that was communicated to the public, the level of absorption of this information and the perceptions that resulted in attitudinal changes during the first phases of the pandemic. Based on the univariate analysis the paper presents the percentage response distribution. Evidently, the surge of the pandemic created a new normal in a very short period of time and brought about significant attitudinal changes among the public. Page(s): 8-17 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/54541 Title: Tale of two videos: Frame and narrative structure analysis of two COVID-19 communication social media messages Authors: Venkateswaran, T.V. Abstract: Coronavirus prevention efforts both protect the people who engage in them and promote the welfare of society. However, often not facts and information, but emotions drive the risk perceptions. Emotions influence our reasoning and impact on our behaviours. To tide over the COVID 19 epidemic, all people must abide by certain practices, ranging from easy to observe, but annoying, hand washing to more socially disruptive physical distancing. Lockdowns, curfews and other political and administrative measures make additional demands. Using frame and narrative structure analysis, in this paper, we examine two videos, prepared by the Kerala and Tamil Nadu police personnel for social media dissemination. Using the frame analysis methodology and narrative structure analysis, we explore the frames, stereotypes, metaphors, actors, and messages encoded in the selected two videos and draw inferences on the influence it can have on the audiences. Page(s): 18-37 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/54540 Title: Beliefs and Superstitions about COVID-19: Observations in India under Lockdown Authors: Dutta, Ankuran Abstract: In the diverse social structure that characterizes India, misbeliefs and superstitions are still as active as in earlier days. Social media in particular has been swamped by hundreds of beliefs and superstitions during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily 'infecting' digitally literate people who are unable to check the fake and unthinkingly pass on suspect messages going viral. Common people in general have been found wanting in responding to calls for greater awareness and necessary behavioural change towards adopting safe practices. Mainstream media in India has been largely playing its role in educating people about the pandemic and thereby contributing towards inculcating scientific temper, but more needs to be done. Five highly circulated superstitions and misbeliefs on social media about the coronavirus have figured in this observation, while public awareness campaigns like 'hoax busters' by Indian Scientists' Response to Covid-19 (ASRC) and 'Infodemic vis-a-vis Pandemic' by Dr. Anamika Ray Memorial Trust (ARMT) have been highlighted as the sort of responses that can be mounted to counter misinformation and superstitions. Page(s): 38-52 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://nopr.niscpr.res.in/handle/123456789/54539 Title: Social Media and COVID-19 Pandemic: Information or (mis)information Authors: Singh, Surjit Abstract: WHO has declared that COVID-19 is going to remain with us as do other endemics (like HIV). Therefore, scientifically validated information and its dissemination is extremely important for the future. The naeed of the hour is to develop a policy mechanism to deal with the creation and proliferation of such (mis)information without any scientific inputs. The lack of scientific temper among the people leads to panic situations and such unverified information may further increase the chances of nervousness, anxiety and hypertension. Page(s): 53-56 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z