This Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage project commenced in 2023 and will be completed in 2026. It is led by researchers at Western Sydney University, University of Canberra, RMIT University, Queensland University of Technology with industry partners being ALIA, ABC Education, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Film and Sound Archive. The project is focused on gaining a better understanding of the media literacy needs of adult Australians, and supporting the development of adult-focused media literacy programs from the partner organisations. Through an action-based, mixed methods approach, the project investigates adults’ experiences with online misinformation and assesses their ability to identify and challenge it.

The project's survey results have been presented in a significant report published in December 2024: Online Misinformation in Australia: Adults' experiences, abilities and responses. See the project website for more information.

Download the project flyer

The project team will engage in a number of mixed-methods research activities to explore how misinformation and media literacy intersect in the Australian context. These activities include:

  • National Survey. The project will investigate the ability of adults to identify and respond to misinformation online using a large activity-based survey, simulating real-life examples. Analysis of respondents socioeconomic and cultural data will help identify the needs and practices of different population groups.
  • Diary Study. To further uncover the diverse experiences adults have with misinformation online, the project will invite selected survey respondents to participate in a week-long qualitative diary study, using a mobile app. Data will be analysed using an innovative thematic combined text and visual analysis coding approach.
  • Collaborative Model & Toolkit. The project will establish an evidence-based, consistent approach to the production of adult media literacy initiatives, using survey and diary study findings, and addressing previously identified barriers to success. Partners will be supported to develop media literacy interventions using shared goals, processes, practices, agreements, and evaluation frameworks.
  • Learning Design Events. Bi-annual immersive partner workshops will be held to aid research advancement and integration and bolster the collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of media literacy initiatives. Events will uniquely combine Evidence-Informed and Connected Learning Design Approaches.
  • Digital Handbook. 'Using Media Literacy to Combat Misinformation in Australia' will be developed to share project research and adaptable resources to help government agencies, civil society organisations, community groups and broader public cultural institutions address the problem of misinformation.

This research project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Projects funding scheme (project LP220100208).

For more information about ‘Addressing Misinformation with Media Literacy Through Cultural Institutions’, contact: [email protected] or Associate Professor Tanya Notley [email protected]