Sociology or Psychology questions

[deleted-395835]

My science fair question is "Can people tall hoaxes from facts". I don't know how to improve it to make the answer not YES or NO. All I was planning to do was get some random hoaxes and mixing it with real news and surveying people. Now when I think more on the subject I'm thinking this is a bad question. I'm in 9th grade. Is my project good for my grade level?

[deleted-395835]

Bump

[deleted-395164]

if this is for a science fair project it is not a good project because it is qualitative not quantitative. you should do something that is more numbers. this is just a suggestion and it is not necessary for you to change your project.

[pswiatko]

Hi Anonbuddy,

This can be, in fact, a good science fair project. I think you are on the right track, but what I'd suggest you focus on is how you ask your questions.

Instead of measuring someone's ability to distinguish truth from hoax, I'd suggest you measure how well people can be influenced.

Imagine someone asking you "Do you REALLY think the Earth is a sphere???" with their eyebrows raised, using sarcastic tone and facial expressions. Even though you know the answer is "Yes!" you are most likely going to unconsciously question your answer.

Try to implement this while talking about facts and be confident when you talk about myths and you might fool someone easily.

Hope this helps!
Peter S.