How to debunk misinformation? An experimental online study investigating text structures and headline formats

IF 3.5 2区心理学 Q1 PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL British Journal of Health Psychology Pub Date : 2023-06-01 DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12670

Johannes Kotz, Helge Giese, Laura M. König

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引用次数: 2

Abstract

Objectives

Misinformation is a crucial problem, particularly online, and the success of debunking messages has so far been limited. In this study, we experimentally test how debunking text structure (truth sandwich vs. bottom-heavy) and headline format (statement vs. questions) affect the belief in misinformation across topics of the safety of COVID vaccines and GMO foods.

Design

Experimental online study.

Methods

A representative German sample of 4906 participants were randomly assigned to reading one of eight debunking messages in the experimentally varied formats and subsequently rated the acceptance of this message and the agreement to misinformation statements about the mentioned topics and an unrefuted control myth.

Results

While the debunking messages specifically decreased the belief in the targeted myth, these beliefs and the acceptance of the debunking message were unaffected by the text structures and headline formats. Yet, they were less successful when addressing individuals with strong pre-existing, incongruent attitudes and distrust in science.

Conclusions

The risk of backfire effects in debunking misinformation is low. Text structure and headline format are of relatively little importance for the effectiveness of debunking messages. Instead, writers may need to pay attention to the text being comprehensive, trustworthy and persuasive to maximize effectiveness.

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如何揭穿错误信息？一项调查文本结构和标题格式的实验性在线研究。

目标：虚假信息是一个关键问题，尤其是在网上，到目前为止，揭穿信息的成功是有限的。在这项研究中，我们通过实验测试了揭穿文本结构（真相三明治与底部沉重）和标题格式（陈述与问题）如何影响人们对新冠疫苗和转基因食品安全性等主题错误信息的信念。设计：实验性在线学习。方法：一个有代表性的德国样本4906名参与者被随机分配阅读八条不同格式的揭穿信息中的一条，随后对该信息的接受程度以及对有关上述主题的错误信息陈述和无可辩驳的控制神话的同意程度进行评分。结果：虽然揭穿消息特别降低了对目标神话的信念，但这些信念和对揭穿消息的接受不受文本结构和标题格式的影响。然而，在处理那些对科学有强烈的预先存在、不一致的态度和不信任的人时，他们并不那么成功。结论：在揭穿错误信息的过程中，适得其反的风险很低。文本结构和标题格式对揭穿信息的有效性来说相对不重要。相反，作者可能需要注意文本的全面性、可信赖性和说服力，以最大限度地提高效果。

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来源期刊

British Journal of Health Psychology PSYCHOLOGY, CLINICAL-

CiteScore

14.10

自引率

1.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： The focus of the British Journal of Health Psychology is to publish original research on various aspects of psychology that are related to health, health-related behavior, and illness throughout a person's life. The journal specifically seeks articles that are based on health psychology theory or discuss theoretical matters within the field.