Many people believe conspiracy theories, even though such beliefs are harmful to
themselves and their social environment. What is the appeal of conspiracy theories? In this …

What psychological factors drive the popularity of conspiracy theories, which explain
important events as secret plots by powerful and malevolent groups? What are the …

This chapter outlines what is known to date, and reviews the psychological research on the
positive and negative consequences of conspiracy theories. It argues that future research …

While conspiracy theories may offer benefits to those who believe in them, they can also
foster intergroup conflict, threaten democracy, and undercut public health. We argue that the …

In psychological research, conspiracy theories are often defined as explanations of events
involving the hidden action of a malevolent group. Such a definition raises a false negative …

Who believes in conspiracy theories, and why are some people more susceptible to them
than others? What are the consequences of such beliefs? Has a conspiracy theory ever …

In this introduction to the EJSP Special Issue on conspiracy theories as a social
psychological phenomenon, we describe how this emerging research domain has …

People who strongly endorse conspiracy theories often proclaim to be rational skeptics and
“critical freethinkers” who “just ask questions.” Indeed, many well-known conspiracy theories …

Although sometimes used interchangeably, the present review highlights the important
differences between generalized worldviews suspecting conspiracy at play (conspiracy …

People have two integrative mental systems in place to process information about the world.
One is fast and automatic, relying on emotions, intuitions, and heuristics (“System 1”); the …