Emotional Intelligence, Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, and Media Sources as Predictors of the Continuing Influence Effect of Misinformation

Walsh, Jane (2023) Emotional Intelligence, Self-esteem, Self-efficacy, and Media Sources as Predictors of the Continuing Influence Effect of Misinformation. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

People are regularly presented with information, which is subsequently updated or corrected, however even when a correction is accepted, some people will continue with or revert to the original inaccurate information. This study investigated if emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, self-esteem, and news source reduce the continuing influence of misinformation. The cross-sectional study was an opportunistic survey (n = 176) presenting participants with paragraphs containing key facts followed by a retraction/correction of the key fact. The participants answered questions on the key facts when presented, after retraction and at the end of the survey. Measures for emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and self-esteem were completed. The misinformation responses were compared using ANOVA or Cochran’s tests, and a swing back towards the misinformation could be seen despite the earlier retraction. Linear regression indicated emotional intelligence as predictive of higher acceptance and belief of corrections, whereas self-efficacy was predictive of a lower score, and self-esteem was not significant. Source comparison indicated information from traditional media was more influential in countering misinformation than social media. Given the pervasiveness of misinformation in society, it is important to understand the underlying individual differences and the differences due to the media accessed which can impact the continued belief in misinformation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email O'Brien, Fearghal UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology H Social Sciences > HM Sociology > Information Science > Communication B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology > Emotional Intelligence
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	02 Jan 2024 17:04
Last Modified:	02 Jan 2024 17:04
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6896

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