Gist Knowledge and Misinformation Acceptance: An Application of Fuzzy Trace Theory

Abstract

ABSTRACT Applying fuzzy trace theory to misinformation related to COVID-19, the present study (a) examines the roles of gist knowledge in predicting misinformation acceptance, and (b) further examines whether a gist cue in fact checking scales affects the level of gist knowledge. Study 1 (a survey) showed that categorical gist knowledge was negatively related to misinformation acceptance, whereas ordinal gist knowledge was not, when both types of knowledge were included in the model. In addition, Study 2 (an experiment) showed that fact checking scales containing a categorical gist cue resulted in greater categorical gist knowledge.