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Fact-checking Politicians

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  • Mattozzi, Andrea
  • Nocito, Samuel
  • Sobbrio, Francesco

Abstract

We study the reaction of national politicians to a rigorous fact-checking of their public statements. Our research design relies on a novel randomized field experiment in collaboration with a leading fact-checking company. Our results show that politicians are responsive to negative fact- checking. We observe a reduction in the number of incorrect statements made by politicians after being treated in the order of one fourth of a standard deviation. This effect persists for at least two months. We also observe a reduction in the probability of politicians making verifiable statements, suggesting that fact-checking may also increase the ambiguity of politicians’ statements.

Suggested Citation

  • Mattozzi, Andrea & Nocito, Samuel & Sobbrio, Francesco, 2022. "Fact-checking Politicians," CEPR Discussion Papers 17710, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:17710
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Politicians; Accountability; Ambiguity;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • D78 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Positive Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • D8 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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