Work

Retractions: Updating from Complex Information

Year: 2025

Type: retraction

Abstract: We modify a canonical experimental design to identify the effectiveness of retractions. Comparing beliefs after retractions to beliefs (1) without the retracted information and (2) after equivalent new information, we find that retractions result in diminished belief updating in both cases. We propose this reflects updating from retractions being more complex, and our analysis supports this: we find longer response times, lower accuracy, and higher variability. The results—robust across diverse participant groups and design variations—enhance our understanding of belief updating and offer insights into addressing misinformation.

Source: The Review of Economic Studies

DOI: 10.1093/restud/rdaf032

Authors: Duarte Gonçalves, Jonathan Libgober, Jack Willis

Institutions: University College London, University of Southern California, Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: Misinformation and Its Impacts

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $6,530

OpenAlex ID: W4411183025

Cites: 87

Cited by: 4

Related to: 10