Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal ISSN: 2576-0319
Appendix A
Participant Number: _____
Please rate the believability of these headlines on a scale from –3 (extremely unbelievable) to 3 (extremely believable) with 0 being neutral.
1. Vermont to require drug makers to disclose payments to doctors: Amid rising concern about the cost of prescription drugs, Vermont is expected today to become the first state in the nation to require pharmaceutical companies to disclose their gifts and cash payments to doctors, hospitals and other health care providers.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
2. God re-floods Middle East.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
3. Fabrics smart enough to change colors and keep you dry.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
4. New birth control pill eases PMS: A new birth control pill not only prevents pregnancy, but helps users avoid debilitating PMS as well.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
5. Bomb detectors for checked bags aren’t very reliable, experts say: The Transportation Department’s stopgap method of detecting bombs in checked bags, which it intends to install in 429 airports by Dec. 31, will not reliably detect explosives in a suitcase, European and U.S. experts say.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
6. You can save your sight with supplements: You can cut your chances of developing macular degeneration, the top cause of blindness in people over 65, just by taking a combination of nutritional supplements, says epidemiologist Dr. Emily Chew of the National Eye Institute.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
7. Japanese rethinking nuclear arms prohibitions.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
8. The Russian mafia in pro sports -- and beyond.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
9. Prank nets expulsion for student.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
10. ‘American Idol’ cutie’s shocking secret life as a stripper: Gorgeous Nikki McKibbin, the sensational golden- voiced finalist on “American Idol,” has a shocking secret past as a stripper.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
11. Awareness of kids’ injuries from computer use grows.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
12. Protein-packed breakfast helps beat candy bar cravings.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
13. Hundreds pack church to mourn two siblings who died in van fire: The mourners wore small white ribbons, printed with the names of Madison and Parker, pinned to their lapels and blouses.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
13. Eating breakfast can help you lose weight.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
14. Jobless claims decline 8.7% from year ago.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
15. ‘General Hospital’ star makes dream of being a real doctor come true (Soap’s former child star is an orthopedic surgeon now!): Actor Bradley Greenbaum got a role on television’s long-running ABC soap “General Hospital,” and was so inspired by working in a fictional medical setting that he quit acting to become a real-life doctor.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
16. New violence over rights raises fear in Guatemala: Rising threats and deadly violence against rights workers in Guatemala have prompted fears of a new crisis of political violence as the country tries to recover from decades of civil war (page A5).
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
3 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
17. Boys tougher to raise than girls? You bet your life!
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
19. Ozone hole is now seen as a cause for Antarctic cooling: Many scientists blame people, at least in part, for global warming. Now, some researchers say people may be partly to blame for the cooling of Antarctica as well.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
20. Amazing medical study reveals: Your soul lives on after you die: In an inspiring real-life drama that proves the soul survives after death, a 44-year-old clinically dead man watched from above his hospital bed as doctors struggled feverishly to bring him back to life (page 59).
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
4 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
Appendix B
Participant Number (the same one you placed on the first sheet): _____
Please CIRCLE the following statements if you believe you have seen them on the expository sheet. Please also rate the believability of these items on a scale from –3 (extremely unbelievable) to 3 (extremely believable) with 0 being neutral.
1. Arrests made in a sweep against theft of identities.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
2. Bush drops unpopular plans to raise cost of student loans.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
3. God re-floods Middle East.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
4. Tattoo mania (Tinseltown’s top stars flocking to get skin art).
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
5. Vermont to require drug makers to disclose payments to doctors.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
6. Fabrics smart enough to change colors and keep you dry.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
7. Center offers alternatives to social service, education cuts.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
8. Business pushing to aid generic drug industry.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
5 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
9. Body of missing woman found in trash in home.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
10. Cops convicted of stealing cash, drugs.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
11. Bush may limit foreign student curriculum (anti-terror policy would ban study of “sensitive” subjects).
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
12. Awareness of kids’ injuries from computer use grows.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
13. A disturbing glimpse into the world of the criminal teenage hijacker.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
14. Beware! Candlelit dinner can wreck your diet.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
15. Eating breakfast can help you lose weight.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
16. Protein packed breakfast helps beat candy bar cravings.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
17. Officials: U.S. long underestimated Al-Qaida.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
18. Japanese rethinking nuclear arms prohibitions.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
6 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
19. Vitamin K cream eases dark circles under eyes.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
20. New birth control eases PMS.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
21. How to avoid credit card hell – and choose the right card for you!
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
22. Say cheese please – & you can have fewer cavities.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
23. Bomb detectors for checked bags aren’t very reliable, experts say.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
24. Hundreds pack church to mourn two siblings who died in van fire.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
25. Don’t waste your money on pricey cosmetics (drugstore brands are cheaper & just as good).
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
26. You can save $ thousands on prescription medications.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
27. You can save your sight with supplements.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
28. New treatment brings back skin color to vitiligo sufferers.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
7 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
29. ‘American Idol’ cutie’s shocking secret life as a stripper.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
30. Alcohol can ward off some cases of diabetes.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
31. The Russian mafia in pro sports – and beyond.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
32. Jobless claims decline 8.7% from year ago.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
33. Exercise can de-stress care giving relatives.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
34. Ozone hole is now seen as a cause for Antarctic cooling.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
35. Boys tougher to raise than girls? You bet your life!
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
36. Low-level nuclear waste being kept under tents.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
37. Amazing medical study reveals: Your soul lives on after you die.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
38. New violence over rights raises fear in Guatemala.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
8 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
39. ‘General Hospital’ star makes dream of being a real doctor come true (Soap’s former child star is an orthopedic surgeon now!).
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
40. Prank nets expulsion for student.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
9 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
Appendix C
Participant Number: _____ Gender: _____
Please rate the believability that the event in these headlines occurred on a scale ranging from –3 (extremely unbelievable) to +3 (extremely believable) with 0 being neutral.
1. Docs remove 200-lb. tumor from 120-lb. woman’s body: Surgery successfully removes overgrown malignant cancerous mass, leaving woman happy and healthy.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
2. Colleges making guarantee: Degree will come in four years: Many rising Universities claim that most students graduate in exactly four years
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
3. Discussions are heating up on the effects of music on today’s society: Activist groups join forces to publicize the supposed negative effects of music on America’s youth.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
4. An actress’ affair with a fan may leave her pregnant.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
5. Court shields states in suit on age bias.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
6. Granny, 88, sued for traffic accident she was never in.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
7. Reliable tests for bad breath: New reliable survey rates consumers’ oral hygiene and gives helpful tips on how to counter halitosis.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
10 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
8. Cops say: Murder victim catches killer from the grave: Psychic communicates with ghostly apparition to catch murderer.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
9. Palm Springs fest finds international niche: Thousands of people from around the globe descend on Palm Springs for fun in the sun.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
10. More than 85% of U.S. men are against equal rights for women.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
11. Kurdish rebel leader has his execution delayed by Turkey: Turkey government officials postpone death sentence of terrorist leader.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
12. Rapper’s hidden heroine abuse believed to be cause of suicide.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
13. Boy’s fate called a federal matter.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
14. Legislators taking “first step” to limit suburban sprawl: Government officials rally in hopes of halting suburban expansion.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
15. Failed talks bring about more fighting between two countries: Despite attempts at establishing peace, negotiations are likely to cause even more problems.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
16. County granted custody of boy left at hospital by his parents.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
11 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
17. Cat lovers protest feeding bans.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
18. Centennial Christmas bird count planned for Dec. 30: Plans are in motion for New Year’s bash for local Ornithologists.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
19. Brunette beauty solves her own murder from beyond the grave.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
20. Teen’s head balloons up in freak reaction to hair dye.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
21. Government favors Microsoft breakup: Rumors of Microsoft Corporate split have certain government officials smiling.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
22. Potatoes, especially french fries, account for half of the U.S. vegetable consumption.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
23. News anchor’s foul language during broadcast is reason for $25000 fine.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
24. Several rhythm and blues artists will be at Super Jam Three: Recent reports confirm large number of R&B superstars booked for upcoming concert.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
12 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
Appendix D
Participant Number (the same one you placed on the first sheet): _____
Please CIRCLE the following statements if you believe you have seen them on the previous survey sheet. Please also rate the believability that the event occurred in these headlines on a scale ranging from –3 (extremely unbelievable) to +3 (extremely believable) with 0 being neutral.
1 . Your child’s bike helmet can kill: Recent research shows that safety headgear may actually cause more damage than it supposedly prevents.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
2. Cops say: Murder victim catches killer from the grave: Police employ service of famous psychic to communicate with deceased victim to solve a recent murder case.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
3. Life-span study shows Hawaii as place to be.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
4. Palm Springs fest finds international niche.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
5. More than 85% of U.S. men are against equal rights for women: Surveys indicate that a high percentage of America’s men have a negative view of gender-equality.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
6. Docs remove 200-lb. tumor from tiny 120-lb. woman’s body.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
7. Some birth control pills can help clear up acne: Recent research indicates that some oral contraceptives can actually treat acne breakouts.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
13 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
8. Hollywood waaaay overdoes it – with 3,182 awards each year.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
9. New study shows fewer than 10% of teens using drug and alcohol.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
10. Centennial Christmas bird count planned for Dec. 30: Scheduled event plans to bring together professional Ornithologists and amateur bird-lovers alike.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
11. Brunette beauty solves her own murder from beyond the grave.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
12. Soldier linked to slaying of private thought to be gay pleads guilty: Local armed forces officer admits action in recent hate crime.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
13. Abandoned baby epidemic: 13 newborns dumped in Houston in just the past few months: Texas city steadily rising as number 1 area for INFANT HOMICIDE in U.S. after recent gruesome discovery.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
14. Granny, 88, sued for traffic accident she was never in: Local elderly woman accused of involvement in a fender- bender despite solid alibi.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
15. Conquering panic attacks without drugs: New-age techniques discovered that allow panic disorder sufferers to eliminate their illness without any medicinal use.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
16. Chlorine in swimming pools can help fight skin cancer: Research indicates that prolonged activity in chlorinated swimming pools can inhibit some forms of cancer.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
14 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
17. Boy’s fate called a federal matter: Minor will have case continued in federal court.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
18. Cat lovers protest feeding bans.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
19. Man’s claim of UFO sighting leads to the discovery of a young girl’s body.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
20. Colleges making guarantee: Degree will come in four years.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
21. Government favors Microsoft breakup.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
22. An actress’ affair with a fan may leave her pregnant: A famous movie superstar’s figure and reputation are in danger due to an accusation of infidelity.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
23. Several rhythm and blues artists will be at Super Jam Three.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
24. Rapper’s hidden heroine abuse believed to be cause of suicide: Sources indicate large amounts of narcotics found in dead rap superstar’s system may have been taken intentionally.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
25. Legislators taking “first step” to limit suburban sprawl: Government officials rally due to local petition in hopes of halting suburban expansion.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
26. Over 50% of all U.S. marriages end in divorce: Studies on divorce indicate that staying married is becoming more rare.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
15 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
27. Kurdish rebel leader has his execution delayed by Turkey: Turkish government officials postpone death sentence of famous rebel leader after public outcry.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
28. News anchor’s foul language during broadcast is reason for $25000 fine.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
29. Hospitals in the Philippines adopt rule that women must have natural childbirth.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
30. Woman dies after losing 90 pounds on weight loss plan.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
31. Failed talks bring about more fighting between two countries.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
32. Court shields states in suit on age bias: Federal judge denies appeal of murder case in which a minor was tried as an adult.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
33. Approximately 1 out of 5 people have a sexually transmitted disease: Recent studies indicate that a growing number of the population is infected with STDs such as AIDS.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
34. Force is with museum exhibit on “Star Wars” phenomenon.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
35. U.S. senator may be responsible for child’s death in swimming pool: State senator may be brought up on charges of neglect due to the drowning of his 2 year old son. -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
16 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
36. County granted custody of boy left at hospital by parents.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
37. Math and science college classes still dominated by males.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable 38. Potatoes, especially french fries, account for half of the U.S. vegetable consumption.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable 39. Drug use has not been ruled out for singer’s fainting during show in Chicago.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
40. Gospel group has number 1 song in Alabama for 4 weeks.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
41. Reliable tests for bad breath: New reliable survey rates consumers’ oral hygiene and gives helpful tips on how to counter halitosis.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
42. World’s most polluted town is a hell on earth: Pennsylvania town is deemed by residents to be practically uninhabitable due to smog and other types of pollution.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
43. Teens who read more than 7 books a year score higher on SAT.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
44. Teen’s head balloons up in freak reaction to hair dye.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
45. Discussions are heating up on the effects of music on today’s society: Activist groups join forces to publicize the supposed negative effects of music on America’s youth.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.
17 Psychology & Psychological Research International Journal
46. Elderly couple arrested at local mall for extreme displays of public affection: Senior couple temporarily incarcerated for making romantic scene outside local movie theatre.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
47. Website serves as a “viewing port” to potential buyers.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
48. Cops track dad to missing daughter’s grave: Statewide manhunt concludes as authorities arrest man at his daughter’s gravesite hours after warrant is issued.
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 Extremely Unbelievable Extremely Believable
Gibbons JA, et al. Evidence of Encoding Specificity for the Effects of Synopses on the Recognition Copyright© Gibbons JA, et al. of Believable and Unbelievable News Headlines. Psychol Psychology Res Int J 2018, 3(7): 000178.