Framing the Field of Misinformation Studies: A Conceptual Analysis

• In Event: Studying Deceptive Communication: An Integrative Approach to Misinformation Studies

Abstract

This paper addresses claims by critics that misinformation research suffers from biases and low conceptual clarity, issues similar to those faced by disciplines experiencing credibility crises. We propose integrating conceptual analysis with mechanistic philosophy as a rigorous framework for refining the concepts central to misinformation studies. Conceptual analysis critically assesses the components of concepts, ensuring they are clearly defined and accurately represent the phenomena they aim to capture. Mechanistic philosophy grounds these concepts in empirical reality by defining the processes that generate the observed phenomena. Combining these approaches enhances both the methodological rigor and empirical validity of theories in misinformation. This paper addresses claims by critics that misinformation research suffers from biases and low conceptual clarity, issues similar to those faced by disciplines experiencing credibility crises. We propose integrating conceptual analysis with mechanistic philosophy as a rigorous framework for refining the concepts central to misinformation studies. Conceptual analysis critically assesses the components of concepts, ensuring they are clearly defined and accurately represent the phenomena they aim to capture. Mechanistic philosophy grounds these concepts in empirical reality by defining the processes that generate the observed phenomena. Combining these approaches enhances both the methodological rigor and empirical validity of theories in misinformation.

Authors

• Richard E. Niemeyer, United States Air Force Academy

• Sarah Bostrom, United States Air Force Academy