Part 2: Report (50% of the mark for this EMA)
Write a brief report relevant to the areas identified in the scenario provided below.
Word limit: 1200 words
Scenario
You have been requested, as a psychologist, to be part of the panel of a public enquiry following an NHS scandal pertaining to the prevalence of belief in conspiracy theories, extraordinary claims and misinformation in the NHS workforce.
It has come to light that several doctors and nurses have been let go from their posts due to their refusal to administer a new drug to treat meningitis to patients with the star sign Gemini. This is due to a misinformed belief that the medication will cause adverse effects to these individuals due to ‘Gemini’ being a partial anagram of ‘meningitis’. In addition, instead of prescribing medication, the doctors and nurses involved have been recommending homeopathic treatments and are demanding that they are reinstated in their roles on the grounds that they are entitled to their beliefs as a fundamental human right. The NHS, on the other hand, is concerned about patient safety.
Therefore, the panel is seeking guidance from you as a psychologist to do three things.
In reference to appropriate psychological literature, you should discuss why people believe in conspiracy theories and extraordinary claims.
You should discuss the impact of holding such beliefs.
The panel wants you to explain precisely how the Swiss cheese model of accident causation could be applied to the situation, to explain the risks of conspiracy theories and extraordinary beliefs concerning public health.
