The researchers fabricated four false news stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic that contained information that might provoke readers to change their behavior. Greatly condensed, these news stories were:

• Chili peppers contain chemicals that minimize the replication rate of COVID-19
• Leaked reports of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed that has resulted in many health complications.
• Drinking more than three cups of coffee a day is linked to experiencing less severe COVID-19 symptoms.
• The creators of a COVID-19 contact tracing app have been previously involved in scandals compromising users's data privacy, and their app would track users' movements.

Participants were exposed to six different news stories related to COVID-19. Prior to viewing, some participants were exposed to a misinformation warning, whereas others were not. All participants were exposed to the same four true news stories and then exposed to two of the four fabricated stories. After each story was shown, participants were asked if they recalled hearing about the information prior to the study. Lastly, participants were directly asked about their intentions to engage in, or not engage in, ten health-related behaviors.