Date of Award

12-2022

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Economics and Finance

Committee Chair(s)

Lucas Rentschler

Committee

Lucas Rentschler

Committee

T. Scott Findley

Committee

Todd Griffith

Abstract

Although misinformation is rampant in social media and society, there is not an extensive literature exploring the impact of misinformation and fact checks on people’s political preferences relating to immigration policies in the US. The purpose of this study is to examine the impacts of misinformation and fact-checking on people’s policy preferences about immigration. Using an experimental survey and a between-subject approach, we observe how anti-immigration politician’s statements (ranging from false to partially true) impact participants’ perceptions of hot-topic immigration issues with and without fact checks. We also study the correlation between people’s political affiliation and the impact of politicians’ misinformation and fact checks.

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