Focus Areas
A four-part webinar series on the results and analyses of RTI’s ongoing coronavirus survey
Public knowledge and perception of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can help shape the federal, state, and local governments’ response to the pandemic and indicate whether those strategies are effective.
RTI surveyed over 2,000 Americans in April 2020 to capture their awareness of COVID-19, their understanding of how the virus is transmitted, and their levels of support for potential community mitigation strategies. The survey was weighted to reflect the U.S. population. (Learn more about our methodology for this survey.)
In this four-part webinar series, we shared the outcomes from the RTI-funded survey and provide a detailed analysis of the implications from that data. Learn more about each webinar below.
This webinar series has concluded. If you have any questions about the series or are interested in partnering with RTI, contact us.
Webinar 1: Face Coverings and Social Distancing
Learn about Americans’ perceptions on the level of effectiveness and necessity of face coverings and social distancing measures, which may have implications for how strictly they follow guidelines for both.
Presenters: Alicia Frasier, MPH, Christine Bevc, PhD, Molly Lynch, MPH, and the RTI COVID-19 Rapid Response Survey Research Team
Moderator: Linda Squiers, PhD
Webinar 2: Knowledge and Understanding
Hear about what Americans’ know and understand about COVID-19, including its transmission, symptoms and treatment, availability of testing and vaccines, and prevention.
Presenters: Lauren McCormack, PhD, Jessica DeFrank, PhD, Molly Lynch, MPH, and the RTI COVID-19 Rapid Response Survey Research Team
Moderator: Linda Squiers, PhD
Webinar 3: Perceived Risk and Threat
Americans were asked what level of threat the coronavirus poses to themselves, their families, certain populations, and more. See how the country currently views the risk of COVID-19.
Presenters: Jessica DeFrank, PhD, Alicia Frasier, MPH, and the RTI COVID-19 Rapid Response Survey Research Team
Moderator: Pia MacDonald, PhD
Webinar 4: Vaccination
As the race to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 continues around the world, view Americans’ perceptions on what a vaccine would mean and whether they would use it.
Presenters: Brian Southwell, PhD, Bridget Kelly, PhD, Molly Lynch, MPH, and the RTI COVID-19 Rapid Response Survey Research Team
Moderator: Pia MacDonald, PhD
