EXTREME-Typologies: From Personality to Physiology

• In Event: Advancing Methodological Approaches to Biopsychosocial Research

Abstract

Background: This study investigates and seeks to develop ‘susceptibility typologies’ to misinformation. These typologies will be centered on elucidating patterns of personality and physiology, and how they interact to influence shifts in activism and radicalism following exposure to misinformation. Traits related to neurobiological systems of motivation (outlined by Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory), trust and belief, and Sympathetic Nervous System activity will be examined.

Method: Individuals responded to a battery of personality-related questionnaires and were then asked to respond to misinformation as if viewing it on social media. Participants were exposed to vaccine-related misinformation and assessed for level of trust, belief, and physiological responses during exposure. Activism and radicalism intentions were measured before and after exposure.

Results: The findings of this research aim to isolate typologies based on pre- and post-exposure changes aligned with individual differences in personality, trust, belief, and physiological responses. Through typological analyses, distinct profiles of susceptibility to misinformation will be identified, ranging from unyielding beliefs to susceptibility marked by physiological responses.

Conclusions: This study offers insights into the nuanced interplay between psychological and physiological responses and susceptibility to misinformation. Disaggregating typologies can inform targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the harmful effects of misinformation in the digital age.

Author

• Presley McGarry, Norwich University