Stop frowning, it´s true: Reduced corrugator activity indicates increased positive affect after judging information as true [Dataset]

In line with the feelings-as-information theory, a body of research demonstrates more
positive (negative) judgments in positive (negative) affective states. Similarly, it has
been shown that people who experience positive (negative) affect also tend to judge
incoming information as more likely being true (false). Following the argumentation of
affect-congruent judgments, we assume that judging information as being true itself
possesses a positive affective component. In a truth effect study, we implemented two
judgment phases (10 minutes and 1 week after first exposure) in which 75 participants
judged the truth of in total 120 (new and repeated) statements. Addressing the present
research question, we assessed spontaneous facial reactions via electromyography after participants provided their truth judgments in each trial. Results reveal corrugator
relaxations after judging information as true (vs. false), indicating increased positive affect. Importantly, this finding was unaffected by the repetition status and subjective confidence regarding judgments.