The illusory truth effect requires semantic coherence across repetitions
Jessica Udry1, Sarah J Barber2
1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Cognition
|September 24, 2023
Summary
Repetition increases perceived truth, but only when semantic connections are consistent. This finding supports the referential theory of truth over the fluency account for illusory truth effects.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- The illusory truth effect, where repeated information is perceived as more truthful, is often explained by fluency and referential theories.
- The fluency account posits that ease of processing (fluency) enhances perceived truth.
- The referential theory suggests that repeated statements strengthen semantic memory connections between referents, increasing perceived truth through coherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between the fluency account and the referential theory of truth.
- To investigate the role of semantic consistency in the illusory truth effect.
Main Methods:
- Four experiments were conducted to test predictions from both theoretical frameworks.
- Experiments 1 and 2 manipulated exposure to statement referents or related topics to test the fluency account.
- Experiments 3 and 4 exposed participants to non-critical facts linking statement referents to test the referential theory, varying semantic coherence.
Main Results:
- A standard illusory truth effect was observed: repeated statements were rated as truer.
- Prior exposure to topics or loosely related facts did not influence perceived truth (Experiments 1 & 2).
- Perceived truth increased only when non-critical facts provided semantically coherent links between referents, supporting the referential theory (Experiment 4).
Conclusions:
- Results contradict the fluency account and provide strong support for the referential theory of truth.
- Semantic consistency between statement referents, particularly when reinforced by related information, is crucial for generating repetition-based illusory truth effects.
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