Knowledgeable conservatives more likely to back conspiracy theories
Conservatives who are familiar with politics and have little trust in institutions are more likely than liberals to endorse conspiracy theories, argues a recent study.
Misinformation
Research roundups, tip sheets, articles and explainers about the widespread problem of misinformation and disinformation in the media
Expert Commentary
Fluoride in water in the United States and public health misinformation: Research review
2014 roundup of research on the health effects of putting fluoride in public water systems as well as a primer to help journalists avoid “he said, she said” reporting on the issue.
Expert Commentary
Vaccine noncompliance, measles and public information: Research on MMR outbreaks
2015 review of public health and communications research suggesting that messages to address growing noncompliance with vaccines must be modified and tested.
Expert Commentary
Boston Marathon bombing: Lessons learned through research
One year after the Boston Marathon bombing, we round up a selection of research-based papers and reports that, cumulatively, help consolidate the “lessons learned.”
Expert Commentary
Tools for verifying and assessing the validity of social media and user-generated content
2015 Overview of tools that can help journalists assess the reliability of materials generated by users and diffused through social media
Expert Commentary
A scarce commodity: Trustworthy and relevant information
Thomas Patterson of Harvard’s Shorenstein Center explores why misinformation is on the rise and what can be done about it. Part of the foundation series of essays for the launch of the U.S. edition of The Conversation website.
Expert Commentary
Public misunderstanding, “birtherism” and flawed survey wording: Research analysis
2014 study from Stanford researchers showing how question wording affected responses to surveys about President Obama’s birth origins and nationality.
Expert Commentary
Misinformation and its correction: Continued influence and successful debiasing
2012 metastudy in Psychological Science in the Public Interest on how misinformation originates and spreads and why it is difficult to correct.
Expert Commentary
Misinformation and fact-checking: Research findings from social science
2012 New America Foundation report on cognitive and psychological phenomena that make the task of journalistic corrections difficult.
Expert Commentary