HSHS Communications Trustworthy Sources Discussion

Scenario: Trustworthy Sources-comment about about this article

Thinking about her problems with school, Susan decides to go for a walk before starting her homework. Perhaps she can do her thinking while she is out and about. As she walks, her mind drifts to the events of the day.

Her mom had called earlier and left her feeling incompetent. Susan thinks that no matter what she does, it never impresses her mom. She always ends up in the wrong. This time it was about her weight and how she was getting fat.

Frank has talked to her about how misinformation works—how when people hear information from sources they trust, they’re more likely to believe it. Susan wonders what she assumes about the sources she uses. She trusts her textbooks, what her mom says, and the news. Should she question the trustworthiness of her sources?

Susan finds herself back at her house with a clear head. Maybe she can finish her homework quickly and then do more research about misinformation.

We explore thinking and believing this week. From what you’ve read in your textbook, what might explain the power of misinformation? What explains Susan’s behaviors this week?