Hidden Brain

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When studying misinformation backfires

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When studying misinformation backfires

Plus, the best way to soothe a fussy baby

Mar 9
Share this post

When studying misinformation backfires

news.hiddenbrain.org

“We all tell these tales of our lives to make sense of our beliefs.” – psychologist Jeremy Clifton 

BRAIN WAVES

  • Unintended consequences. Researchers have long been curious about misinformation: How is fake news spread? Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? But studying conspiracies might make people more likely to believe them. Political scientists Scott Clifford and Brian W. Sullivan recently tested this hypothesis. In an experiment, they asked people various questions about why President Biden might be making fewer media appearances, suggesting to some study volunteers that there was a conspiratorial explanation for his absence. Turns out, “exposure to a standard conspiracy question causes a significant increase in the likelihood of endorsing that conspiracy a week later.” Put simply, exposing people to misleading information made them more likely to believe that information. But the effect didn’t hold true when researchers asked questions that offered an alternative, non-conspiratorial explanation (the President wants to focus on policy, for example).  “We recommend that researchers reduce the likelihood of spreading conspiracy beliefs by adopting a question format that asks respondents to choose between alternative explanations for an event,” the study concluded.

  • Cry babies. Parents, caretakers and airline passengers have long asked the question: how do we get that baby to stop crying? At Scientific American, research scientists explained that some types of mammals, like rats and monkeys, have a “transport response.” That is, when their babies cry, the mammal has an urge to pick them up and carry them away. This instinct is linked to avoiding danger. “So the infants innately cooperate with the parents by withholding their cries and movements during carrying,” the researchers explain, “because their lives literally depend on it.” Researchers tested this response in humans, asking mothers to try four different ways of hushing their fussy babies. They held them while walking or sitting, pushed them in a stroller, or placed them in a crib or on the couch. “And we found that all the infants stopped crying, and more than half of them fell asleep, during or soon after the five minutes of carrying—even in the daytime,” said researcher Kumi Kuroda. Of course, your mileage may vary.

  • The awe of awe. Many of us rush through our days, weeks, and lives, chasing goals, and just trying to get everything done. But that can blind us to a very simple source of joy that’s all around us. Listen to learn more.

ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST

March 6: As you move through the world, it’s inevitable that your way of seeing things won’t always align with the people around you. Maybe you disagree with the way your neighbor raises her kids, or find your brother’s politics to be troubling. But you may not realize how much your core beliefs shape your perception of the world. This week, we talk with psychologist Jer Clifton about how our beliefs shape our reality — and how we can use this knowledge to live happier and more harmonious lives.

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ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST

March 7:  Laura was feeling defeated from her chemotherapy treatment when the words of an anonymous x-ray technician made her day.

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Listen on Spotify

Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.

MIND GAMES

George, William, John, Abe, and Millard have their birthdays on consecutive days, all between Monday and Friday. George’s birthday is as many days before Millard’s and William’s is after Abe’s. John is two days older than Abe. Millard’s birthday is on Thursday. Can you figure out whose birthday is on each day?

LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

If five cats can catch five mice in five minutes, how long will it take one cat to catch one mouse?

The answer: Five minutes. It would take one cat 25 minutes to catch all five mice (5x5=25). Working backward and dividing 25 by five, we get five minutes for one cat to catch each mouse. [source]

FROM THE TWITTERATI…

Twitter avatar for @anthropogenic01
Not the Droid You're Looking For @anthropogenic01
I love the little nuggets of wisdom in @HiddenBrain podcasts.
hiddenbrain.orgHow Your Beliefs Shape Reality | Hidden Brain MediaAs you move through the world, it’s inevitable that your way of seeing things won’t always align with the people around you. Maybe you disagree with the way your neighbor raises her kids, or find your brother’s politics to be troubling. But you may not realize how much your core beliefs shape your p…
7:59 PM ∙ Mar 7, 2023
Twitter avatar for @jerclifton
Jer Clifton @jerclifton
An absolutely incredible introduction to primal world belief research and why it matters to everyone on a personal level. They crushed it. Please listen and share. I feel this is how millions discover this research topic.
Twitter avatar for @HiddenBrain
Hidden Brain @HiddenBrain
Why do some of us see the world as a dangerous & scary place, while others believe it’s mostly good? This week, @jerclifton explores this mystery of perception. Why do we all experience reality a bit differently? And what can those differences teach us? https://t.co/arM2zRnOMB
5:24 PM ∙ Mar 7, 2023
26Likes6Retweets
Twitter avatar for @EveVavagiakis
Eve Vavagiakis, PhD @EveVavagiakis
Really enjoyed this episode on how experiencing awe, such as through the natural world, improves our mental and physical health and increases our generosity and engagement with community
Twitter avatar for @HiddenBrain
Hidden Brain @HiddenBrain
In this week’s episode, what happens in the mind when we feel moved by a really good song, a beautiful view, or even a simple but lovely walk. (2/2) https://t.co/OhtGwy1EUz
3:35 PM ∙ Mar 5, 2023
7Likes1Retweet

A MOMENT OF JOY

May we all be well-rested as we emerge from hibernation

Twitter avatar for @OregonZoo
Oregon Zoo @OregonZoo
Bear conditioner is on full blast
3:42 PM ∙ Sep 15, 2022
56,461Likes8,848Retweets


Have an idea for Hidden Brain? A story you want to share with us? Send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. And if you’d like to support our work, you can do so here. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.

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When studying misinformation backfires

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