Confirmation Bias and the Persistence of Misinformation on Climate Change

Yanmengqian Zhou, Lijiang Shen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

62 Scopus citations

Abstract

A web-based two (preexisting position: correct vs. incorrect) by two (message type: scientific information vs. misinformation) by three (messages) mixed design experimental study was conducted to test confirmation bias as a mechanism underlying the persistence of misinformation on climate change and to examine attitude certainty as a moderator of confirmation bias. Data collected with Qualtrics panels demonstrated robust confirmation bias in message and source perceptions, empathy, and perceived message effectiveness when individuals encountered messages consistent with their preexisting position on climate change, which in turn strengthened their preexisting position. The patterns of biased message processing and post-message position polarization were more extreme among climate change deniers. Attitude certainty significantly intensified polarization of position on climate change.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)500-523
Number of pages24
JournalCommunication Research
Volume49
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Communication
  • Language and Linguistics
  • Linguistics and Language

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