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Insight Problem Solving Ability Predicts Reduced Susceptibility to Fake News, Bullshit, and Overclaiming
Carola Salvi1,2, Nathaniel Barr3, Joseph E Dunsmoor1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA.
Thinking & Reasoning
|November 20, 2023
Summary
Insight problem solving, not just traditional cognitive tests, helps people better identify fake news and misinformation. This skill is crucial for navigating today's information-rich world.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Information Science
Background:
- Exponential information growth challenges critical thinking and fact-checking.
- Previous research links problem-solving ability (Cognitive Reflection Test-CRT) to reduced belief in false information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific role of insight problem solving in identifying fake news.
- To determine if insight problem solving predicts susceptibility to misinformation beyond traditional cognitive measures.
Main Methods:
- Administered Compound Remote Associate Test (insight problem solving), CRT, fake/real news headlines, bullshit, and overclaiming scales.
- Collected data from 61 participants.
Main Results:
- Insight problem solving significantly predicted better fake news and bullshit identification.
- Insight problem solving was a stronger predictor than the CRT.
- Higher insight problem solving correlated with reduced overclaiming.
Conclusions:
- Insight problem solving is a key factor in discerning true from false information.
- This finding has implications for understanding individual differences in susceptibility to misinformation.
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