Fact-checking was found to be effective in correcting participants' beliefs regardless of partisanship. When fact-checking corrections outweighed affirmations, participants reported less voting support for the source also regardless of partisanship.

Ohio State University, Columbus

Overall, fact-checking has been found to positively influence beliefs. Although, there are differences in effectiveness depending on the type of fact-checking message, pre-existing beliefs, and inclusion of visual elements. 

Effectiveness of Fact-Checking

Aird M.J., Ecker U.K.H., Swire B., Berinsky A.J., Lewandowsky S. (2018). Does truth matter to voters? The effects of correcting political misinformation in an Australian sample. Royal Society Open Science, 5(12). http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.180593


Does truth matter to voters? The effects of correcting political misinformation in an Australian sample

It was found that fact-checking false statements made by Donald Trump proved effective for both Trump and anti-Trump supporters. Because the remarks made by Trump did not necessarily challenge the personal beliefs of the participants, the results coincide with the attitude-protection hypothesis.

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