Educational Orientation, Actively Open-Minded Thinking, and Democratic Ideals in the Assessment of News Credibility
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| Title: | Educational Orientation, Actively Open-Minded Thinking, and Democratic Ideals in the Assessment of News Credibility |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Thomas Nygren, Maria Rasmusson, Malin Tväråna, Artur Nilsson, Sander van der Linden |
| Source: | Journal of Social Science Education. 2025 24(3). |
| Availability: | Journal of Social Science Education. Bielefeld University Faculty of Sociology, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany. Tel: +49-521-106-3985; Fax: +49-521-106-153986; e-mail: info@jsse.org; Web site: http://www.jsse.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 38 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research Tests/Questionnaires |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Democracy, College Students, Academic Achievement, Misinformation, Resilience (Psychology), Political Attitudes, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Credibility, Foreign Countries |
| Geographic Terms: | Sweden |
| ISSN: | 1611-9665 1618-5293 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study examines how educational orientation, actively open-minded thinking (AOT), and democratic ideals relate to misinformation discernment in an era of misleading media content. Methodology: Using an online survey, nationally representative adults (n=3060) and university students (n=1097) completed measures assessing misinformation discernment, AOT, democratic ideals, and information literacy. Findings: Higher education improves misinformation discernment, though no differences emerged across academic disciplines. AOT, especially low dogmatism and fact resistance, strongly predicts misinformation resilience. Democratic ideals, emphasising representation and expertise, enhance discernment, while participatory ideals show weaker links. Self-rated information literacy correlates with better discernment, yet advanced techniques like lateral reading and reverse image search remain rare. Political orientation influences outcomes, with Green-voting individuals performing better and right-wing Sweden Democrats performing worse. Implications: The findings emphasise the need to integrate critical thinking, democratic education, and digital fact-checking skills into curricula across disciplines, actively promoting AOT and fostering nuanced democratic perspectives. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1486163 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study examines how educational orientation, actively open-minded thinking (AOT), and democratic ideals relate to misinformation discernment in an era of misleading media content. Methodology: Using an online survey, nationally representative adults (n=3060) and university students (n=1097) completed measures assessing misinformation discernment, AOT, democratic ideals, and information literacy. Findings: Higher education improves misinformation discernment, though no differences emerged across academic disciplines. AOT, especially low dogmatism and fact resistance, strongly predicts misinformation resilience. Democratic ideals, emphasising representation and expertise, enhance discernment, while participatory ideals show weaker links. Self-rated information literacy correlates with better discernment, yet advanced techniques like lateral reading and reverse image search remain rare. Political orientation influences outcomes, with Green-voting individuals performing better and right-wing Sweden Democrats performing worse. Implications: The findings emphasise the need to integrate critical thinking, democratic education, and digital fact-checking skills into curricula across disciplines, actively promoting AOT and fostering nuanced democratic perspectives. |
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| ISSN: | 1611-9665 1618-5293 |
