Matt Sheehan

Health Belief Model

One of the original public health theories developed in the 1950s, this model suggests that people’s beliefs about health problems, perceived benefits of and barriers to action and self-efficacy explain… Continue Reading Health Belief Model

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Fundamental Attribution Error

(or the over-attribution effect) People are often quick to draw conclusions about the attitudes and personalities of others, even when an external factor or cause may explain that behavior. Citations:… Continue Reading Fundamental Attribution Error

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Dunning Kruger Effect

The Dunning Kruger effect is a cognitive bias, affecting people at all levels of intelligence, where people tend to overestimate their knowledge or ability in specific areas, especially new ones… Continue Reading Dunning Kruger Effect

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Dual Coding Theory

People have different systems in their mind for processing information: one system for visual imagery and one for verbal communication. Visual and verbal communication are processed differently in the human… Continue Reading Dual Coding Theory

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Diffusion of Innovation

Explains the pattern and speed at which ideas spread from their introduction to uptake in the wider society. Four elements influence the spread of the new idea: the innovation itself,… Continue Reading Diffusion of Innovation

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Cultural Cognition

Refers to the tendency of individuals to conform their beliefs about disputed matters of fact (e.g., whether humans are causing global warming; whether the death penalty deters murder; whether gun… Continue Reading Cultural Cognition

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Construal Level Theory

Describes the relationship between psychological distance and the extent to which people’s thinking (e.g., about objects and events) is abstract or concrete. The general idea is that the more distant… Continue Reading Construal Level Theory

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Availability Bias

We use mental shortcuts when judging how likely or frequently an event will happen, because we tend to remember our most recent experience and therefore we put more value on… Continue Reading Availability Bias

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2 min

Invest in Trust – a vaccine communications guide for CNAs

Invest in Trust: A Guide for Building COVID-19 Vaccine Trust Among Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) is designed to help nursing home leaders build COVID-19 vaccine confidence among certified nursing assistants… Continue Reading Invest in Trust – a vaccine communications guide for CNAs

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5 min

Q&A with our new Research Associate Jack Barry

Here we have a Q&A with Jack, to learn more about him, what questions keep him up at night, and what he is most excited to work on with the… Continue Reading Q&A with our new Research Associate Jack Barry

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Health Belief Model

Fundamental Attribution Error

Dunning Kruger Effect

Dual Coding Theory

Diffusion of Innovation

Cultural Cognition

Construal Level Theory

Availability Bias

Invest in Trust – a vaccine communications guide for CNAs

Q&A with our new Research Associate Jack Barry

Beyond raising awareness: How to create lasting change

Science Communications Course

Strategic Communications Academy for UF Leaders & Scholars

The Science of Belief: Use Values and Worldviews to Build Bridges

Why Intersectional Stories Are Key to Helping the Communities We Serve

Designing Diverse and Gender Inclusive Humanitarian Organizations

Communicating the Complexity of Displacement in a Changing Climate

October 2025 nationwide survey sheds light on Americans’ increasing worry about housing affordability

2025 ‘Real Good Census’ Reveals a Strategically Vital Field with Strong Rewards, Marking Significant Growth

Changemakers in Action: Dr. Audrey Goldfarb

Building Partnerships for Lasting Change: Why Awareness Alone Won’t Cut It

Strategic Communications Academy for University of Florida Engineering Scholars

Science-based communication strategy on COVID for the UN Verified Initiative

Re-examining narratives on poverty and wealth — the BROKE project

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