Misinformation Basics
This term refers to false information shared without intent to harm.
What is misinformation?
This process evaluates research before it is published in academic journals.
What is peer review?
This bias makes us favor information that confirms what we already believe.
What is confirmation bias?
This platform is known for viral health trends and short-form videos.
What is TikTok? Or Instagram reels.
This refers to fair and just access to healthcare and information.
What is health equity?
This term refers to intentionally false information spread to deceive.
What is disinformation?
This gold-standard study design randomly assigns participants to groups.
What is a randomized controlled trial (RCT)?
This uncomfortable feeling occurs when new information conflicts with our beliefs.
What is cognitive dissonance?
Influencers gain trust primarily through this (not necessarily expertise).
What is relatability / perceived authenticity?
Historical mistreatment in medicine has led to this in some communities.
What is mistrust in healthcare systems?
In research, this measures the degree to which an intervention, program, or treatment achieves its intended outcomes under real-world, ordinary conditions.
What is effectiveness?
This phrase describes when two things are related but not necessarily causing each other.
What is correlation (not causation)?
Messages that rely on fear are effective because they trigger this response.
What is an emotional (fear-based) response?
This describes making money from content (even if it’s misleading).
What is monetization (of misinformation)?
This means tailoring health messages to respect different cultures.
What is cultural humility?
In research, this measures how well a treatment, drug, or intervention produces a desired beneficial effect under ideal, controlled laboratory or clinical trial conditions.
What is efficacy?
This type of study reviews many studies to draw broader conclusions.
What is a systematic review or meta-analysis?
Our beliefs are often shaped by this need to fit in with others.
What is social belonging?
This multi-billion dollar industry often promotes unregulated health claims.
What is the wellness industry?
This debate centers on limiting misinformation vs. protecting rights.
What is freedom of speech vs. public safety?
An idea or belief that is not supported by mainstream science or evidence and is held by a small minority
What is Fringe Theory?
This type of observational study tracks a specific group over time, such as monitoring the smoking habits of thousands of individuals; to determine how certain exposures affect the long-term risk of developing diseases like cancer.
What is a cohort study?
This almond-shaped structure can trigger a "neural hijack" during fear, bypassing logical reasoning in the prefrontal cortex and effectively shutting down a person's skepticism.
What is the amygdala?
Why do misleading health trends spread so quickly online?
What is algorithms favor engagement, not accuracy?
This barrier to healthcare refers to the ability of patients with limited English proficiency to understand and act on medical information, often requiring the use of professional interpreters or translated materials.
What is language accessibility?