The scientists found that social norms have the strongest influence on whether people abide by rules or not. The research could prove significant in the global vaccination effort, as it comes at a time when some countries are seeing a waning interest in vaccination after an initial wave of eagerness. “Social norms are relatively powerful,” study co-author Stefan Janke from the University of Mannheim says. Among other things, the research examined whether people adhered to physical-distancing rules and supported other people during the crisis. Social norms arise primarily from behavioural patterns that people perceive in those close to them, e.g.
