Applying cognitive psychology principles to the (dis)information environment: an examination of discourse comprehension, memory, and fusion of news articles

Kathleen G. Larson; Kelly Kaleda; Laurie Fenstermacher

doi:10.1117/12.2522278

7 May 2019 Applying cognitive psychology principles to the (dis)information environment: an examination of discourse comprehension, memory, and fusion of news articles

Kathleen G. Larson, Kelly Kaleda, Laurie Fenstermacher

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11018, Signal Processing, Sensor/Information Fusion, and Target Recognition XXVIII; 110180S (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2522278
Event: SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing, 2019, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Disinformation campaigns such as fake news have evolved beyond traditional propaganda and are being used in strategic ways. Further, sources of information have changed from traditional media (newspapers, fliers, radio) to multi social media platforms (Twitter, You-Tube, Reddit). This paper addresses how cognitive psychology research related to traditional texts and news discourse applies to information garnered in the changing social media environment and especially false information. Specifically, the memory representations that readers create when they read text and how they are able to integrate complex ideas from multiple sources (including images) are reviewed. An emphasis is placed on the fragility of memory representations such as the susceptibility to information reconstruction and how that vulnerability can interact with disinformation. Potential ways to counter disinformation are explored such as perspective shifting, changing the context, and thinking analytically. In addition, this paper will identifies what gaps need to be addressed in the growing research areas of misinformation and fake news.

Citation Download Citation

Kathleen G. Larson, Kelly Kaleda, and Laurie Fenstermacher "Applying cognitive psychology principles to the (dis)information environment: an examination of discourse comprehension, memory, and fusion of news articles", Proc. SPIE 11018, Signal Processing, Sensor/Information Fusion, and Target Recognition XXVIII, 110180S (7 May 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2522278

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