Multiple-choice quizzes improve memory for misinformation debunks, but do not reduce belief in misinformation

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Information Science
• Media Studies

Background:

• Fact-checkers aim to improve public understanding and memory of debunked misinformation.
• Retrieval practice, such as through quizzes, is known to enhance memory retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of multiple-choice quizzes in improving accuracy ratings and memory for fact-checked claims.
• To determine if enhanced memory translates to more accurate beliefs.

Main Methods:

• Three experiments involving 1551 US online participants.
• Participants were exposed to health- or politics-related fact checks, with or without an accompanying quiz.
• Accuracy ratings and memory recall were assessed post-exposure and after a one-week delay.

Main Results:

• Fact checks generally improved participants' accuracy in rating claims.
• Quizzes significantly enhanced participants' memory for specific details within the fact checks, persisting for one week.
• Despite improved memory, quiz exposure did not lead to more accurate belief ratings compared to the no-quiz condition.

Conclusions:

• Multiple-choice quizzes are effective tools for increasing memory recall of fact-checked content.
• A dissociation exists between enhanced memory for misinformation debunks and the accuracy of users' beliefs.
• Fact-checkers should consider the limitations of memory-based interventions on belief formation.