Prior research in behavioral economics has examined the effects of nudging and the diverse aspects of choice on individuals' decisions and behaviors. Based on this premise, the current research offers a novel and timely view by examining how communication messages in public service advertisements (PSAs) can alter the perception of threat under uncertain situations such as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic. This article investigates the role of additional relative statistical information on the perception of threat and stockpiling intention. First, we examine whether there is a reduction in the perceived threat of the coronavirus if information about the potential severity of an alternative threat (car accidents) is activated, when compared to offering only statistics on the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which is known as COVID-19. Furthermore, we established the mediating role of a perceived threat in consumers' decisions and behavior in times of severe crisis. This suggests that organizations and policymakers can influence individuals by increasing or decreasing their perceived level of threat depending on the desired outcomes (e.g., respecting authorities' recommendations or avoiding stockpiling). This research offers a deeper understanding of how consumers can be "nudged" toward desired behavior in the context of public health and safety.

Four issues that can affect statistical conclusions from mediation analysis are presented here: The implications of omitting mediators; not conducting reverse mediation analysis; using inappropriate measures; and not considering a wider array of experiment-based methods. Suggestions for addressing each of these are advanced. Previous issues of AMJ, JMR and JCR are then examined to gauge the extent to which these suggestions were used. Less than half of the published papers inspected (44.4% of the total) endeavoured to address at least three of the four issues raised above. AMJ authors will realize higher statistical as well as theoretical rigor if they consider these suggestions.

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