Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Psychology
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:30 PM
Description
Under the direction of Dr. Bonnie Bowers, Dr. Richard Michalski
Along with the increasing information and accessibility of media through internet access, “conspiracy theories,” have increased (Uscinski, et al., 2022). The objectives of the proposed research are to identify and understand the demographics of those who are more likely to believe conspiratorial beliefs. Conspiratorial beliefs, otherwise known as “conspiracy theories,” have been on the rise since the 1970s. Certain personality traits and demographics are associated with greater susceptibility to these beliefs, including schizotypy personality traits and a younger age (Hart & Graether, 2018; McCaffree & Saide, 2022). This study investigates the relationship between paranoia and strength of conspiratorial beliefs, the relationship between self perceived and peer comparison of conspiratorial beliefs, and the relationship between educational/career background and strength of conspiratorial beliefs. Participants were asked to rate “I believe” statements regarding well-known conspiracies and paranormal beliefs on a 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) for themselves and in comparison to peers (e.g. “I believe the moon landing was fake”) along with their agreement using the same scale on their belief in paranoia statements regarding their personal beliefs (e.g. “People try to make me upset”). By understanding and reviewing the answers and beliefs the participants provide, the study aims to understand and determine if paranoia determines conspiratorial beliefs and why these participants believe in these theories.
The Effects of Paranoia on Perception and Belief of Conspiracy Theories
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Under the direction of Dr. Bonnie Bowers, Dr. Richard Michalski
Along with the increasing information and accessibility of media through internet access, “conspiracy theories,” have increased (Uscinski, et al., 2022). The objectives of the proposed research are to identify and understand the demographics of those who are more likely to believe conspiratorial beliefs. Conspiratorial beliefs, otherwise known as “conspiracy theories,” have been on the rise since the 1970s. Certain personality traits and demographics are associated with greater susceptibility to these beliefs, including schizotypy personality traits and a younger age (Hart & Graether, 2018; McCaffree & Saide, 2022). This study investigates the relationship between paranoia and strength of conspiratorial beliefs, the relationship between self perceived and peer comparison of conspiratorial beliefs, and the relationship between educational/career background and strength of conspiratorial beliefs. Participants were asked to rate “I believe” statements regarding well-known conspiracies and paranormal beliefs on a 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree) for themselves and in comparison to peers (e.g. “I believe the moon landing was fake”) along with their agreement using the same scale on their belief in paranoia statements regarding their personal beliefs (e.g. “People try to make me upset”). By understanding and reviewing the answers and beliefs the participants provide, the study aims to understand and determine if paranoia determines conspiratorial beliefs and why these participants believe in these theories.