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Table 2 Example of a correction in standard format, reverse-order format, and facts-only frame, as well as an example inference question and belief rating

From: Correction format has a limited role when debunking misinformation

Correction format

Example

Standard correction

Alcohol promotes sleep

Alcohol promotes sleep—MYTH

Alcohol disturbs sleep: Drinking alcohol before bed leads to REM sleep being disrupted. This is followed by abnormally shallow sleep, causing multiple awakenings. The more alcohol consumed prior to sleep, the more pronounced these effects are. So, although alcohol may help the onset of sleep, sleep quality is adversely affected

Reverse-order correction

Alcohol disturbs sleep: Drinking alcohol before bed leads to REM sleep being disrupted. This is followed by abnormally shallow sleep, causing multiple awakenings. The more alcohol consumed prior to sleep, the more pronounced these effects are. So, although alcohol may help the onset of sleep, sleep quality is adversely affected

It is a MYTH that alcohol promotes sleep

Facts-only frame

Sleep is adversely affected by alcohol

Sleep is adversely affected by alcohol—FACT

Alcohol disturbs sleep: Drinking alcohol before bed leads to REM sleep being disrupted. This is followed by abnormally shallow sleep, causing multiple awakenings. The more alcohol consumed prior to sleep, the more pronounced these effects are. So, although alcohol may help the onset of sleep, sleep quality is adversely affected

Inference question

If your insomniac friend told you they were planning on drinking two glasses of wine before bed to help them sleep, would you advise them otherwise? (0, Definitely not – 10, Definitely)

Belief rating

How much do you believe this claim:

Alcohol promotes sleep (0, Not at all – 10, Very much so)

  1. Note: The myth-only condition was identical to the standard correction, except that the three myths were presented on their own, without any of the three facts