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effects of misinformation. They must be people that are trusted by the community and
have an interest in developing more constructive approaches.
Mechanism for Determining the Truthfulness of the Rumours
The rumour reporters can investigate the truthfulness of the rumours. Their
activities may be hampered by the secrecy or deception of the other parties, but they
will succeed in correcting false rumours. These reporters can form committees that
meet regularly to discuss these rumours. These should be people with access to the
information needed to conduct effective investigations.
"Widely trusted neutral intermediaries" http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/
treatmentlnmlorct.htm p.l) can also contact the conflicting parties in the case of an
untrue rumour circulating. It must also be known which oftheir investigations were not
verified.
Rumour Correction
The investigators must promptly report their findings to the interested parties.
They should report "what is known, what is not known and what is still being
investigated." http://\llww.colorado.edu/conflictlpeace/treatment/mmorct.htm p.2)
Differing interpretations ofthe facts should also be reported.
Ifthe mmour turns out to be false, then a plan must be put in place to correct it.
This can only succeed if the intermediaries are credible and are able to communicate
"widely and effectively." (p.2) An example of mmour control mechanisms are the
"crisis control centers" developed during
the Cold War to prevent incomplete
information from causing an escalation of confrontation between the United States and
the Soviet Union.
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