Decision-making is subject to mistakes. Framing bias is a common error in decision-making that occurs when decision-makers select and highlight certain aspects of a situation while excluding others. Since framing bias has been only conceptually defined, our objective of this study was to develop and present, for the first time, an index that describes this bias using COVID-19-related data from Greece leading up to the second lockdown.
To analyze which aspects should be focused on and emphasized by the Greek authorities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we use monthly data for the following: (ⅰ) The World Uncertainty Index (WUI), (ⅱ) the World Policy Uncertainty Index (WPUI), (ⅲ) the World Sentiment Index (WSI), (ⅳ) the number of newly reported COVID-19 cases, and (ⅴ) the number of newly reported COVID-19 deaths. Using the proposed index, the analysis was based on not emphasizing all aspects (one at a time).
Without knowledge of which aspects were focused on by the Greek authorities, we investigated, through the proposed index, which aspects should be emphasized more. The framing bias indices indicate that the Greek authorities should emphasize more aspects related to the epidemiological characteristics of the pandemic. Since framing bias and trade-offs are relatively low, they indicate decisions in the right direction.
The need for emergency action was evident in September 2020. The Greek government's decisions were made without suitable alternatives. Thus, decision-making focused on the weaknesses of the health care system, and the absence of effective medications or a vaccine.
Citation: Dimitris Zavras. Framing bias on COVID-19 pandemic decision-making in Greece[J]. Health Affairs Review, 2026, 1(1): 46-55. doi: 10.3934/har.2026004
Decision-making is subject to mistakes. Framing bias is a common error in decision-making that occurs when decision-makers select and highlight certain aspects of a situation while excluding others. Since framing bias has been only conceptually defined, our objective of this study was to develop and present, for the first time, an index that describes this bias using COVID-19-related data from Greece leading up to the second lockdown.
To analyze which aspects should be focused on and emphasized by the Greek authorities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we use monthly data for the following: (ⅰ) The World Uncertainty Index (WUI), (ⅱ) the World Policy Uncertainty Index (WPUI), (ⅲ) the World Sentiment Index (WSI), (ⅳ) the number of newly reported COVID-19 cases, and (ⅴ) the number of newly reported COVID-19 deaths. Using the proposed index, the analysis was based on not emphasizing all aspects (one at a time).
Without knowledge of which aspects were focused on by the Greek authorities, we investigated, through the proposed index, which aspects should be emphasized more. The framing bias indices indicate that the Greek authorities should emphasize more aspects related to the epidemiological characteristics of the pandemic. Since framing bias and trade-offs are relatively low, they indicate decisions in the right direction.
The need for emergency action was evident in September 2020. The Greek government's decisions were made without suitable alternatives. Thus, decision-making focused on the weaknesses of the health care system, and the absence of effective medications or a vaccine.
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Dimitris Zavras. Framing bias on COVID-19 pandemic decision-making in Greece[J]. Health Affairs Review, 2026, 1(1): 46-55. doi: 10.3934/har.2026004
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