Formal Minimal and Maximal Definitions for Characterizing Mis, Dis, and Malinformation

• DOI: 10.21428/cb6ab371.9772d72d
• Publication Date: 2024-10-09T07:55:25Z
• Authors: Sarah R. Bostrom; Richard E. Niemeyer; K. Ryan Proctor; James Crum; Marissa Howard; Alexandra Mascher; Chad C. Tossell; Leanne M. Hirshfield

In the wake of 2016 U.S. presidential election and U.K. Brexit referendum, field misinformation studies has rapidly expanded, leading to increased scholarly activity significant public attention. However, this growth been accompanied by substantial criticisms, particularly regarding need for greater consensus on defining key concepts, inadequate conceptual differentiation, low coherence within field. The ongoing replication crisis in social sciences further underscores urgent clearly defined phenomena enhance reproducibility. This paper addresses these concerns introducing new minimal maximal definitions misinformation, disinformation, malformation, providing a more structured theoretically informed approach concept formation. We propose definition that frames as communicative acts generating perceived harm due an error message. Extending from definition, our incorporate contextual elements, including message provider, goals, strategies, tactics, better differentiate between diverse instantiations examined specific research programs. By refining definitions, aims provide clearer foundation future research, enhancing field's enabling targeted effective interventions policy, practice.Â