Thomas Unise
A recent study published in the journal Applied Cognitive Psychology has uncovered fascinating psychological insights into what drives conspiratorial thinking. Rather than lack of education or intelligence, researchers found that discomfort with ambiguity and beliefs about an unjust world play significant roles in conspiracy theory adherence.
The Research Approach
Led by Adrian Furnham, professor of psychology at the Norwegian Business School, the study examined 14 variables across demographics, ideology, and personality traits among 253 adults primarily from the UK, US, Canada, and South Africa. The average participant age was 49 years old.
Researchers created a 10-point scale to measure conspiratorial thinking, asking participants to respond to statements like “politicians usually do not tell us the true motives for their decisions” and “government agencies closely monitor all citizens.” Participants also completed the High Potential Trait Indicator (HTPI) personality assessment.
Key Findings
The study revealed several significant correlations with conspiracy belief:
- Low tolerance for ambiguity emerged as a primary factor – people uncomfortable with uncertainty or complex situations were more likely to embrace conspiracy theories that offered simpler explanations
- Individuals who believe the world is fundamentally unfair were significantly more inclined to subscribe to conspiracy theories
- Notably, education level showed no correlation with conspiracy belief, challenging common assumptions about conspiracy theorists
Psychological Implications
These findings suggest that conspiracy theories may serve as psychological coping mechanisms for those who struggle with uncertainty. When faced with complex issues that lack clear explanations, some people prefer definitive answers – even incorrect ones – over acknowledging that some situations remain ambiguous or multifaceted.
The correlation with beliefs about an “unjust world” indicates that those who see fundamental unfairness in human nature may be predisposed to seeing hidden manipulations behind world events.
Future Research Directions
The researchers acknowledge that further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to expand on these findings. However, this research provides valuable insight into the psychological foundations of conspiratorial thinking and challenges stereotypical views of conspiracy theorists.
Rather than dismissing conspiracy believers as unintelligent or uneducated, this study suggests a more nuanced understanding: that some people, when faced with uncertainty, prefer simple explanations over complex truths.
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