Continued influence effect of misinformation : theories, research methods and determinants

The continued influence effect (CIE) is a phenomenon in which certain information, although retracted and corrected, still affects one’s reports, reasoning and decisions. A practical example of such phenomenon is the widespread myth that vaccines cause autism - therefore CIE research is of great practical importance as it provides insight into the psychological mechanisms of relying on and spreading misinformation. The aim of this article is to present research on the continued influence effect. The experimental methods of CIE research were discussed, as well as theories describing the cognitive mechanisms of undergoing misinformation. The most important findings in this field are also cited, including individual and procedural magnitude determinants of misinformation reliance and techniques to increase the effectiveness of corrections.