A synthesis of evidence for policy from behavioural science during COVID-19

Scientific evidence regularly guides policy decisions1, with behavioural science increasingly part of this process2. In April 2020, an influential paper3 proposed 19 policy recommendations (‘claims’) detailing how evidence from behavioural science could contribute to efforts to reduce impacts and end the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we assess 747 pandemic-related research articles that empirically investigated those claims. We report the scale of evidence and whether evidence supports them to indicate applicability for policymaking. Two independent teams, involving 72 reviewers, found evidence for 18 of 19 claims, with both teams finding evidence supporting 16 (89%) of those 18 claims. The strongest evidence supported claims that anticipated culture, polarization and misinformation would be associated with policy effectiveness. Claims suggesting trusted leaders and positive social norms increased adherence to behavioural interventions also had strong empirical support, as did appealing to social consensus or bipartisan agreement. Targeted language in messaging yielded mixed effects and there were no effects for highlighting individual benefits or protecting others. No available evidence existed to assess any distinct differences in effects between using the terms ‘physical distancing’ and ‘social distancing’. Analysis of 463 papers containing data showed generally large samples; 418 involved human participants with a mean of 16,848 (median of 1,699). That statistical power underscored improved suitability of behavioural science research for informing policy decisions. Furthermore, by implementing a standardized approach to evidence selection and synthesis, we amplify broader implications for advancing scientific evidence in policy formulation and prioritization

Thinking inside the box: Spatial frames of reference for drawing in Williams syndrome and typical development.

Successfully completing a drawing relies on the ability to accurately impose and manipulate spatial frames of reference for the object that is being drawn and for the drawing space. Typically developing (TD) children use cues such as the page boundary as a frame of reference to guide the orientation of drawn lines. Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) typically produce incohesive drawings; this is proposed to reflect a local processing bias.Across two studies, we provide the first investigation of the effect of using a frame of reference when drawing simple lines and shapes in WS and TD groups (matched for non-verbal ability).Individuals with WS (N=17 Experiment 1; N=18 Experiment 2) and TD children matched by non-verbal ability drew single lines (Experiment One) and whole shapes (Experiment Two) within a neutral, incongruent or congruent frame. The angular deviation of the drawn line/shape, relative to the model line/shape, was measured.Both groups were sensitive to spatial frames of reference when drawing single lines and whole shapes, imposed by a frame around the drawing space.A local processing bias in WS cannot explain poor drawing performance in WS

SERPENT Cruise Reports July 2002 to December 2006

The SERPENT Project, Scientific &amp; Environmental ROV Partnership using Existing iNdustrial Technology, is a collaboration between world leading scientific institutions and companies associated with the oil and gas industry. SERPENT is hosted at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS), one of the worlds’ largest research and teaching organisations specialising in deep-sea science and oceanography. SERPENT encompasses a scientific network of academic partners across the world (USA, Canada, Brazil, Africa, Australia), linked to a network of major oil and gas operators and contractors. The project centres around the opportunistic use of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) in operational settings during periods of stand-by time. The project also aims to maximise the scientific benefit of environmental data collected as part of routine offshore operations and environmental surveys. Through access to ROVs and such environmental data scientists at NOCS and from the wider SERPENT partnership aim to improve the scientific understanding of the deep-sea's biodiversity in all its aspects. This document provides a history of SERPENT missions from its beginnings in July 2002 to the end of 2006 and detailed cruise reports for the missions where they are available.<br/