The trajectory of truth: a longitudinal study of the illusory truth effect

Henderson, E. L., Simons, D. J. and Barr, D. J. (2021) The trajectory of truth: a longitudinal study of the illusory truth effect. Journal of Cognition, 4(1), 29. (doi: 10.5334/JOC.161) (PMID:34164597) (PMCID:PMC8194981)

Abstract

Repeated statements are rated as subjectively truer than comparable new statements, even though repetition alone provides no new, probative information (the illusory truth effect). Contrary to some theoretical predictions, the illusory truth effect seems to be similar in magnitude for repetitions occurring after minutes or weeks. This Registered Report describes a longitudinal investigation of the illusory truth effect (n = 608, n = 567 analysed) in which we systematically manipulated intersession interval (immediately, one day, one week, and one month) in order to test whether the illusory truth effect is immune to time. Both our hypotheses were supported: We observed an illusory truth effect at all four intervals (overall effect: χ2(1) = 169.91; Mrepeated = 4.52, Mnew = 4.14; H1), with the effect diminishing as delay increased (H2). False information repeated over short timescales might have a greater effect on truth judgements than repetitions over longer timescales. Researchers should consider the implications of the choice of intersession interval when designing future illusory truth effect research.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: ELH was funded by a PhD studentship from Kingston University. This work was supported by an EASP Pre-registered Research Grant, and PhD research funds from Kingston University and Cardiff University awarded to ELH.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Barr, Dr Dale
• Authors: Henderson, E. L., Simons, D. J., and Barr, D. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience
• Journal Name: Journal of Cognition
• Publisher: Ubiquity Press
• ISSN: 2514-4820
• ISSN (Online): 2514-4820
• Published Online: 08 June 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Author(s)
• First Published: First published in Journal of Cognition 4(1):29
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence