Cognitive bias in citizens’ perceptions of government performance in response to COVID-19: Evidence from a large-scale survey experiment in China

Abstract

This article explores the cognitive bias in citizens’ perceptions of government performance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were drawn from a survey experiment by manipulating the performance information frame (positive, neutral, and negative) and source (government, scientists, and unofficial sources) with 4,102 Chinese citizens. Findings show that the effect of information frame and source on citizens’ perceptions of government performance is very weak. Additionally, the heterogeneity tests indicate a gender difference in framing effect, and source effect emerges for those located far away from the pandemic epicenter. Frame and source show an interaction effect in the lower education group. The results call for further research on citizens’ cognitive bias in a crisis context.