Correcting misinformation the wrong way is likely to further entrench mistakes, according to a new study.
People are also more likely accept incorrect information if the matter is not of direct importance to them or fits with their current views.
The authors of the study argue that the implications of belief in misinformation weaken democratic decision-making as well as poor health outcomes, such as the use of unproven alternative medicine.
Stephen Lehocz
Stephen Lehocz is a Friend of The Conversation.
Interested public.
So true, so true, misinformation, arbitrary facts and outright lies can complicate any field, to the point of unworkability or to a point where it’s "too complicated for a layman to understand.”
I'm sure there is misinformation in many, many fields including medicine. e.g. http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21528826.000-is-medical-science-built-on-shaky-foundations.html
Spotting this misinformations and lies is an important ability. http://theconversation.edu.au/teaching-students-to-lie-historical-method-through-hoaxes-8653