Make No Mistake? Exploring Cognitive and Perceptual Effects of Grammatical Errors in News Articles

Abstract

Using four between-subjects experiments (N₁ = 106, N₂ = 166, N₃ = 159, and N₄ = 164), this project tests the ways audiences process grammatical errors in news articles. In all, results suggest that readers perceive stories with grammatical errors to be lower in quality, credibility, and informativeness, but the number of errors needed is relatively large. Analysis shows amplified effects for people who report concern about grammar, and, to a lesser degree, people with knowledge of grammar rules. Given these results, the findings suggest a nonlinear, nonuniversal effect of grammatical errors on readers of news articles.

Keywords

journalism studies media effects quantitative methods experiments

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