True or False? The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation

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Using True or False? The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation with readers provides many powerful opportunities for students to explore and discuss their relationship with fact and fiction. Take advantage of the instructive sidebars included in the book to engage readers and challenge them to think more deeply or experiment with perception and understanding, issuing invitations to “Check Out the Research” and “Try This,” as well getting actual facts with information under “Did You Know?” and “Now You Know.”

You can also have students turn what they learn from True or False? into accessible, actionable media literacy messages for fellow students. After they identify key takeaways from the book, students can develop tips and tools to help others become smarter consumers of information by thinking more critically, avoiding falling for misinformation, and better understanding how perception and belief really work. This might look like an infographic series, a quiz or game, a short classroom presentation, a video, or even a media literacy celebration!

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. What is psychology? How can psychology help us know what's real, what's true, and who to believe? How is truth defined? Why do we sometimes believe things that aren’t true?
2. What is misinformation? What are the causes and effects of misinformation? How is misinformation different from disinformation? How can you check if information is trustworthy rather than just convincing?
3. How can the way you ask a question lead to getting different answers or information? What can you do to better judge what is true and what is not?
4. What is “prebunking?” Have you ever experienced prebunking before? Did it help you better distinguish between true and false information? Why or why not?
5. How do likes and shares make misinformation seem credible? Does information seem more credible if it comes from someone you know or a person you respect? Have you fallen for something because everyone else was sharing it? Have you ever changed what you thought because of something you saw online?

Related Resources

Interview with the Author from the American Psychological Association
Helping Kids and Teens Spot Misinformation Online interview with Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD on Your California Life ABC Sacramento
Helping Students Spot Misinformation Online from NEA Today
News Literacy Project Resource Library
Lesson plan: How to short-circuit misinformation before it spreads online from PBS News Hour Classroom
Digital Citizenship Curriculum from Common Sense Media