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Defining and Measuring Scientific Misinformation

Author

Listed:
  • Brian G. Southwell
  • J. Scott Babwah Brennen
  • Ryan Paquin
  • Vanessa Boudewyns
  • Jing Zeng

Abstract

We define scientific misinformation as publicly available information that is misleading or deceptive relative to the best available scientific evidence and that runs contrary to statements by actors or institutions who adhere to scientific principles. Scientific misinformation violates the supposition that claims should be based on scientific evidence and relevant expertise. As such, misinformation is observable and measurable, but research on scientific misinformation to date has often missed opportunities to clearly articulate units of analysis, to consult with experts, and to look beyond convenient sources of misinformation such as social media content. We outline the ways in which scientific misinformation can be thought of as a disorder of public science, identify its specific types and the ways in which it can be measured, and argue that researchers and public actors should do more to connect measurements of misinformation with measurements of effect.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian G. Southwell & J. Scott Babwah Brennen & Ryan Paquin & Vanessa Boudewyns & Jing Zeng, 2022. "Defining and Measuring Scientific Misinformation," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 700(1), pages 98-111, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:700:y:2022:i:1:p:98-111
    DOI: 10.1177/00027162221084709
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeremy Kemp & Richard Milne & Dave S. Reay, 2010. "Sceptics and deniers of climate change not to be confused," Nature, Nature, vol. 464(7289), pages 673-673, April.
    2. Dustin Tingley & Gernot Wagner, 2017. "Solar geoengineering and the chemtrails conspiracy on social media," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 3(1), pages 1-7, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Briony Swire-Thompson & David Lazer, 2022. "Reducing Health Misinformation in Science: A Call to Arms," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 700(1), pages 124-135, March.
    2. Tobia Spampatti & Ulf J. J. Hahnel & Evelina Trutnevyte & Tobias Brosch, 2024. "Psychological inoculation strategies to fight climate disinformation across 12 countries," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 8(2), pages 380-398, February.

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