Developing and Validating a Four-Dimensional Misinformation Correction Scale: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Misinformation poses a significant societal challenge, yet research lacks a standardized framework for conceptualizing and operationalizing correction behaviors. This study identifies four types: verification, rejection, public, and private correction engagement. A 14-item scale was developed in Study 1 using 23 focus groups ( N = 120) and expert review ( N = 12). Study 2 ( N = 1,063) and Study 3 ( N = 467) were conducted in China using Mandarin to validate the scale’s reliability and construct validity through confirmatory factor analyses. The scale offers a robust tool for studying correction behaviors and provides theoretical and practical insights for misinformation research.