Welcome Remarks from the Chair of PRIM&R's Board of Directors, and General Session: Deciphering the Code, Interpreting, and Responding to Misinformation

PRIMR22 day three will begin with a welcome from the Chair of PRIM&R's Board of Directors, F. Claire Hankenson, DVM, MS, DACLAM, and will be followed by our general session, Deciphering the Code, Interpreting, and Responding to Misinformation.

General Session Descriptor: We’re swimming in a world of misinformation that often cannot be countered effectively by conventional messaging used to communicate research findings. Many who disseminate misinformation are aware of the “sleights of hand” they perform to influence thinking. Spotting and correcting misinformation can seem like a lost cause, but the consequences of not trying have serious consequences for human health, as recently played out during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research institutions and government agencies should proactively consider how they can communicate important scientific findings or health recommendations to build trust and help the public distinguish between truth and fiction. This panel will explore what misinformation is and how to identify it, why humans are susceptible to certain communication techniques, how misinformation about research can play out, and what strategies can be used to combat falsehoods and make science-based messages more persuasive.