Yes, facts can change minds. While you cannot change someone else’s worldview or identity in a debate, you can persuade a specific belief.
Here’s what scientific studies have shown.
Corrections done right make people more accurate, and no one wants to be wrong. So the realistic goal is not instant conversion. It is helping one idea become a little more aligned with reality.
When correcting someone, lead with what is true. Keep it simple. Give the evidence and, when needed, explain what actually happened rather than merely saying the original claim is false. Research on misinformation recommends the following:
- emphasize anything accurate within the bad argument,
- briefly identify the error,
- explain why it is wrong,
- and then explain the correct explanation.
Giving people a replacement explanation matters because simply removing a false idea can leave a hole that the old story continues to fill.
Also, do not turn the correction into a personal contest. One four-country experiment found that presenting fact-checks as confirmation of what is true, worked better than emphasizing the person is wrong. Other experiments show that simply encouraging people to focus on accuracy can improve their ability to distinguish true from false information. In other words, give the person room to reconsider without demanding that they admit defeat. Don’t overwhelm someone with twenty facts. Focus on correcting one or two at a time, not the person.
Unfortunately, misinformation can remain influential even after correction. Even if they agree in an exchange, their agreement often fades with time. That’s frustrating, but also demonstrates the actual level of influence you have over others.
Explain clearly and let the other person think. Your job is to present reality as clearly as you can. Their job is to decide what to do with it.