Amanda Domingos

Bio: Amanda Domingos is an academic researcher from Federal University of Pernambuco. The author has contributed to research in topics: Social distance & Transparency (behavior). The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 5 publications receiving 22 citations.

Seven Reasons Why: A User’s Guide to Transparency and Reproducibility

Abstract: Despite a widespread agreement on the importance of transparency in science, a growing body of evidence suggests that both the natural and the social sciences are facing a reproducibility crisis. In this paper, we present seven reasons why journals and authors should implement — transparent guidelines. We argue that sharing replication materials, which include full disclosure of the methods used to collect and analyze data, the public availability of raw and manipulated data, in addition to computational scripts, may generate the following positive outcomes: 01. production of trustworthy empirical results, by preventing intentional frauds and avoiding honest mistakes; 02. making the writing and publishing of papers more efficient; 03. enhancing the reviewers’ ability to provide better evaluations; 04. enabling the continuity of academic work; 05. developing scientific reputation; 06. helping to learn data analysis; and 07. increasing the impact of scholarly work. In addition, we review the most recent computational tools to work reproducibly. With this paper, we hope to foster transparency within the political science scholarly community.

Is Democracy Really The Best Medicine? How different regimes react to pandemics

Abstract: Pandemics are nothing new to humans. From the Plague of Justinian to the current Covid-19, the world has seen all sorts of contagious diseases. But do different political regimes react differently? We argue that the political regime has no major influence. More specifically: democratic and autocratic regimes have similar performances in taking action to combat the disease. The reasoning for this, however, vary. We do believe that the volatility is higher within the authoritarian group. To test this hypothesis, we will conduct a survival analysis, having the adoption of a strict social isolation policy as the event of interest. We will control for institutional variables, such as the presence of local governments; and for other social variables, such as population density. We will also take in consideration previous experience with SARS. Our findings corroborate our hypothesis. The difference between the two types of regime is not statistically significant. The economy, however, seems to play small role: The wealthier the country is, the longer it takes to adopt restriction measures.

How many could have been saved? Effects of social distancing on COVID-19

Abstract: What is the effect of social distancing policies on the spread of the new coronavirus? Social distancing policies rose to prominence as most capable of containing contagion and saving lives. Our purpose in this paper is to identify the causal effect of social distancing policies on the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and on contagion velocity. We align our main argument with the existing scientific consensus: social distancing policies negatively affect the number of cases. To test this hypothesis, we construct a dataset with daily information on 78 affected countries in the world. We compute several relevant measures from publicly available information on the number of cases and deaths to estimate causal effects for short-term and cumulative effects of social distancing policies. We use a time-series cross-sectional matching approach to match countries’ observable histories. Causal effects (ATTs and ATEs) can be extracted via a dif-in-dif estimator. Results show that social distancing policies reduce the aggregated number of cases by 4,832 on average (or 17.5/100 thousand), but only when strict measures are adopted. This effect seems to manifest from the third week onwards.

Mais que Boas Intenções: técnicas quantitativas e qualitativas na avaliação de impacto de políticas públicas

Abstract: Como tecnicas quantitativas e qualitativas podem ser mobilizadas para avaliar o impacto de politicas publicas? Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar os fundamentos da avaliacao de impacto e discutir as principais tecnicas utilizadas para quantificar ou para qualificar o impacto das politicas. Para tanto, apresentamos o experimento controlado e tecnicas quase-experimentais como ferramentas de identificacao do efeito causal das politicas e tecnicas de observacao, entrevista em profundidade e grupos focais como formas de compreender o seu impacto sobre a qualidade de vida dos beneficiarios. As diferentes tecnicas sao apresentadas com exemplos praticos de politicas publicas. Os resultados indicam que as abordagens quantitativa e qualitativa respondem a questoes diferentes na avaliacao. Contudo, ambas sao fundamentais para a formulacao de politicas baseada em evidencias.

Sorry it took me so long: Latin America and rapid governments’ response to COVID-19

Abstract: No enfrentamendo da pandemia do COVID-19, o que foi determinante para a velocidade das respostas governamentais? A regiao tinha mais informacao sobre como impedir que o virus se espalhasse e o isolamento social era a medida mais recomendada para evitar a contaminacao. Ainda assim, os paises latino-americanos variaram consideravelmente no quao rapido eles adotaram medidas rigidas de isolamento social. Realizamos um trabalho exploratorio sobre que desenhos institucionais colaboraram com maior demora na adocao de tais medidas. Entre as variaveis institucionais consideradas, encontramos que nossa variavel de interesse (demora) esta correlacionada forte e positivamente com a democracia, negativamente com a concentracao de poder, e positivamente com o PIB per capita. Isso pode sugerir que autocratas enfrentaram menos constrangimentos institucionais e morais para agir, enquanto lideres democraticos lidando com pluralismo e prestacao de contas enfrentaram maiores custos para adotar essas medidas. Devido a pequena amostra, investigamos na sequencia as experiencias de alguns paises buscando exemplos das correlacoes encontradas. Palavras-chave: Atraso do governo; COVID-19; Instituicoes politicas

Listen to the people public deliberationabout social distancing measures ina pandemic

Abstract: Public engagement in ethically laden pandemic planning decisions may be important for transparency, creating public trust, improving compliance with public health orders, and ultimately, contributing to just outcomes. We conducted focus groups with members of the public to characterize public perceptions about social distancing measures likely to be implemented during a pandemic. Participants expressed concerns about job security and economic strain on families if businesses or school closures are prolonged. They shared opposition to closure of religious organizations, citing the need for shared support and worship during times of crises. Group discussions elicited evidence of community-mindedness (e.g., recognition of an extant duty not to infect others), while some also acknowledged strong self-interest. Participants conveyed desire for opportunities for public input and education, and articulated distrust of government. Social distancing measures may be challenging to implement and sustain due to strains on family resources and lack of trust in government.