What's Happening?
A research group at Saint Michael's College, as part of the University of Vermont's federally funded Science of Online Corpora, Knowledge, and Stories (SOCKS) project, is examining Vermont's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The multidisciplinary team,
including Sociology Professor Candas Pinar, Computer Science Professor Bradford Demarest, and Political Science and Public Health Professor Patricia Siplon, is focusing on Governor Phil Scott's press conferences from March 2020 onwards. They are analyzing his speeches and answers to reporters' questions to understand the effectiveness of his communication strategies, particularly how he leveraged 'social capital' to encourage adherence to health guidelines. Additionally, a sub-group led by Professor Siplon and student Damascene Niyongere '27 is investigating the impact of COVID-19 on Vermont's correctional facilities, where they found higher transmission rates and negative mental health effects due to prolonged isolation, suggesting a disparity in the application of social capital principles compared to the general population.
Why It's Important?
This research is important because it seeks to understand the factors behind Vermont's successful COVID-19 response, which was considered a national leader. By analyzing Governor Scott's communication, particularly his use of social capital—the connections and bonds within communities—the study aims to identify effective strategies for future public health emergencies and other crises. The findings could provide valuable insights for policymakers and public health officials across the U.S. on how to foster community cohesion and public cooperation during times of crisis. Conversely, the examination of the incarceration system's response highlights critical areas where public health measures may have fallen short, leading to disproportionate negative impacts on vulnerable populations. This dual focus offers a comprehensive look at both successes and failures, informing more equitable and effective emergency preparedness and response frameworks nationwide.
What's Next?
The research project is ongoing, with the grant covering a five-year period. The team plans to continue analyzing Governor Scott's speeches, comparing his language during the pandemic to pre-COVID-19 press conferences and also to the communication of New Hampshire's Governor Chris Sununu. Students involved in the project have already presented their findings at the University of Vermont and are scheduled to present at another conference in New Hampshire in October. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable information about effective communication strategies that build common ground during emergency situations, extending beyond pandemics to include climate-related and other human-generated disasters. The insights gained are expected to contribute to better-informed government emergency responses and public health policies in the future.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate implications for public health communication, this research delves into the deeper societal concept of social capital and its role in collective action during crises. The study's focus on how language can either foster or neglect community bonds raises ethical questions about governmental responsibility to all segments of the population, particularly marginalized groups like incarcerated individuals. The findings regarding the correctional system's experience during COVID-19 underscore the persistent challenge of ensuring equitable treatment and care for all citizens, even in emergencies. This project also highlights the growing importance of computational linguistics and interdisciplinary collaboration in social science research, demonstrating how technology can be used to analyze vast amounts of data to uncover subtle yet powerful influences on public behavior and policy outcomes. The long-term shifts triggered by this development could include a greater emphasis on community-centric communication strategies and more robust ethical considerations in emergency planning.
