Cross-checking journalistic fact-checkers: The role of sampling and scaling in interpreting false and misleading statements.

ABSTRACT: Professional fact-checkers and fact-checking organizations provide a critical public service. Skeptics of modern media, however, often question the accuracy and objectivity of fact-checkers. The current study assessed agreement among two independent fact-checkers, The Washington Post and PolitiFact, regarding the false and misleading statements of then President Donald J. Trump. Differences in statement selection and deceptiveness scaling were investigated. The Washington Post checked PolitiFact fact-checks 77.4% of the time (22.6% selection disagreement). Moderate agreement was observed for deceptiveness scaling. Nearly complete agreement was observed for bottom-line attributed veracity. Additional cross-checking with other sources (Snopes, FactCheck.org), original sources, and with fact-

SUBMITTER: Markowitz DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10368232 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature