Real-time processing of misinformation and its correction: Insights from eye movements during reading

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Information Science
• Media Studies

Background:

• Misinformation, once encountered, can persist despite retractions, a phenomenon known as the continued-influence effect (CIE).
• Understanding real-time cognitive processes underlying susceptibility to misinformation is crucial for developing effective countermeasures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate real-time indicators of misinformation susceptibility using eye-tracking.
• To examine the influence of individual differences (reading proficiency, working memory) on the CIE.
• To assess the effectiveness of different correction strategies.

Main Methods:

• Eye movements of 74 participants were recorded while reading newspaper-style articles with retracted or non-retracted information.
• Post-reading questionnaires assessed memory and inferential judgments.
• Individual differences in language proficiency and working memory were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Retractions increased processing effort for corrective information and reduced re-reading of non-causal details.
• Reminders of misinformation led to faster reading speeds.
• Higher reading proficiency correlated with reduced susceptibility; reading proficiency and working memory aided real-time processing.
• Longer reading times and slower speeds were tentatively linked to reduced susceptibility without explicit reminders.

Conclusions:

• Misinformation susceptibility is influenced by individual cognitive abilities.
• The effectiveness of corrections depends on factors like explicit reminders and cognitive processing.
• Eye-tracking provides valuable real-time insights into how individuals process and are affected by misinformation and its corrections.