Data proves inconvenient for left-leaning narratives; experts call it misinformation

1) The research was conducted by Sacha Altay (University of Zurich) and co-authors from various institutions, published in the Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review.

2) Methodology: Surveyed 150 academic experts selected via Google Scholar for those with multiple publications on misinformation/fake news (2018-2022). Political orientation self-reported on a 7-point scale from very left-wing to very right-wing. Response rate ~20%.

A ~20% response rate (based on recruitment estimates) does introduce potential non-response bias, as non-respondents might differ in views or demographics. The study mitigated this via diverse sourcing (Google Scholar, conferences, snowballing). For sample size, 150 is reasonable for a specialized field like misinformation research, per survey guidelines, though the authors note it’s skewed toward Global North experts. The results indeed show a left-leaning skew: 0 very/fairly right-wing, 7 slightly right, vs. 126 left/center.

-Grok