Combating false information in military situations: Striking the right balance between continued influence effect and overcorrection

Abstract

False information (FI) is a critical issue for the military, and correction is a common strategy to counteract its influence. However, literature questions the potential of correction to fully restore optimal reasoning. Some studies suggest an overcorrection effect, aligning attitudes excessively with the correction, while others highlight the continued influence effect (CIE), where attitudes persist in alignment with FI. This research aimed to examine the effect of an FI correction within military scenarios. A total of 61 participants read four military scenarios designed to simulate decision-making, followed by an assessment of their inferential reasoning. Two of the scenarios presented FI which was later retracted, and the two remaining scenarios did not. The results did not reveal any evidence of the CIE, but an overcorrection effect emerged in decision-making. The study underscores an underestimated threat in countering misinformation. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed.