Using a signal detection approach to understand the impacts of processing fluency and efficacy on accuracy in misinformation detection
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: = 1,019) examined how a state of processing fluency, induced through either an easy or difficult task (reading a simple vs. complex message or recalling few vs. many examples) impacted participants' ability to subsequently detect misinformation. The results revealed that, as intended, easier tasks led to higher reports of processing fluency. In turn, increased processing fluency was positively associated with internal efficacy. Finally, internal efficacy was positively related to misinformation detection using a signal detection task. This work suggests that feelings of ease while processing information can promote confidence and a more discerning style of information processing. Given the proliferation of misinformation online, an understanding of how metacognitions - like processing fluency - can disrupt the tacit acceptance of information carries important democratic and normative implications.
Source: Frontiers in Psychology
Authors: Kara S. Fort, Hillary C. Shulman
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,295
OpenAlex ID: W4402807489