Investigating Scientific Misinformation Originating from Retracted Publications and Their Perception

Abstract

ABSTRACTScientific retractions can be an indicator that misinformation is present in a research paper. Retractions are therefore an interesting research object to explore news coverage of misleading scientific information. This poster presents how problematic research (before and after retraction) is portrayed in news outlets, the impact of the retraction on these reports and the relationship of retracted scientific results and the spread of false information. Starting from a list of 270 retracted COVID‐19 papers from the Retraction Watch blog (https://retractionwatch.com), we analysed news articles of 16 retracted publications, that were immensely discussed in journalistic formats. By presenting three different use cases, we show how misinformation emanates from retractions, how problematic research is presented in media and what factors influence the message of the article. Our research contributes to a better understanding of how retractions are used and perceived in propagating scientific misinformation on one hand and in mitigating it on the other.