Fuzzy-trace theory and the battle for the gist in the public mind.

Misconceptions, misinformation, and moving forward in theories of COVID-19 risky behaviors.

“…The experts offer a clear prescription for future research on COVID-19 and related problems: Adopt an interdisciplinary framework that incorporates differences across age, individuals, and societies using bridging constructs such as gist representations of information that integrate inputs ranging from anthropology to engineering (Fischhoff, 2021). Move from questioning whether constructs are purely cognitive to asking how cognitive and non-cognitive factors interact, such as how gist is shaped by social identity and affiliation (Wolfe, 2021). Discard persistent misconceptions, such as a "novel" epidemic of misinformation, that interfere with understanding longstanding vulnerabilities in science education and how information can be interpreted differently by diverse people (Scheufele et al, 2021).…”

“…Moreover, as Wolfe's (2021) analysis suggests, the battle between information and misinformation is not merely a matter of contradictory facts: The earth is either round or flat. Rather, people may form conflicting gist representations of the same experience that are “actively contested”—a process that demands more research.…”

“…Rather, people may form conflicting gist representations of the same experience that are “actively contested”—a process that demands more research. Wolfe highlights the importance of context in this process, including social and cultural context, in eliciting specific gist representations—“[c]ompeting ideas may be mentally represented in this way and instantiated when their relevance is brought to the forefront by the context” (Wolfe, 2021, p. 628). In sum, we agree with multiple commentators that helping people develop an understanding of the simple bottom-line of key concepts, emphasizing depth and insight (rather than memorizing specific facts), is a better way to inoculate against misinformation.…”

“…A theme of these articles is that integrative interdisciplinary work is required to address this massive public health problem (e.g., Fischhoff, 2021; Jamieson, 2021; Scheufele et al, 2021; Wolfe, 2021). Many highlight how fuzzy-trace theory (FTT) accomplishes this goal by weaving together cognitive, social, emotional, and neuroscientific constructs to explain multiply determined decisions that involve risk (e.g., Edelson & Reyna, 2021), applying falsifiable models (e.g., Broniatowski & Reyna, 2018).…”

“…That challenge of thinking in new ways is before us as nations struggle to defeat a viral disease whose spread depends on human behavior. Broomell and Chapman (2021), Fischhoff (2021), Jamieson (2021), Scheufele et al (2021), Thompson et al (2021), and Wolfe, (2021) each argue eloquently for the crucial role of human behavior in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, and, by implication, for greater emphasis on theory.…”