The Psychological and Behavioural Side-Effects of Coronavirus Outbreak (Covid-19) on the Algerian Researchers’ Scientific Work and Academic Plans

Abstract

To date, COVID-19 has affected all life aspects. The impact that it had on education was unprecedented and tremendous. This article sheds light on the psychological and behavioural side-effects of the Coronavirus outbreak on the scientific work and academic research carried by Algerian researchers. This study revolves around investigating thoughts, feelings and perspectives of 202 male and female Master Two and PhD students about how the lockdown impacted their research and on what levels. To achieve this aim, a qualitative method was followed in which an online questionnaire was administered. The questionnaire comes in three languages to cover all educational and cultural backgrounds of the targeted population. The analysis has shown that the majority of the participants (72.8%) believed that Coronavirus crisis and the quarantine have negative effects on their mood, spirits and psychological well-being which basically leads to procrastination and loss of motivation. On the same token, many female participants are occupied with the increased housework and their responsibilities towards their family members, their health and safety. The same sample will be surveyed soon in the future to investigate the longer term impacts of the crisis.