Date

5-3-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

In an age where information is plentiful and access to it is practically unlimited, the veracity of information is frequently an afterthought. Previous research has demonstrated that individuals may often be reluctant to alter their beliefs and attitudes even after false information is corrected. This phenomenon is known as the continued-influence effect or the continued influence of misinformation (CIM). Misinformation and “fake news” have grown more common, and their effectiveness may be explained by CIM. Research also shows that schemas can have significant effects on how information is processed, and preexisting beliefs, values and attitudes can affect what information is readily absorbed, ignored, forgotten or invented. Individuals with more extreme partisan schemas, particularly conservatives, may be more vulnerable to misinformation. The current study was an examination of CIM in college students and the general population who were exposed to fake news, corrections of fake news, or both. The hypotheses that attitudes about initial misinformation and degree of belief change upon correction would vary by partisan schema strength were partially supported.

Department

Psychology

Thesis Comittee

Dr. Elizabeth Spievak, Thesis Advisor

Dr. Ashley Hansen-Brown, Committee Member

Prof. Stephanie Penley, Committee Member

Copyright and Permissions

Original document was submitted as an Honors Program requirement. Copyright is held by the author.

Download

Share

COinS