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Does Perceived Lack of Control Lead to Conspiracy Theory Beliefs? Findings from an online MTurk sample

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  • Ana Stojanov
  • Jesse M Bering
  • Jamin Halberstadt

Abstract

It is widely believed that conspiracy theory beliefs are the product of perceived lack of control. However, to date there is mixed evidence, at best, to support this claim. We consider the reasons why conspiracy theory beliefs do not appear to be based in any straightforward way on control beliefs, interrogating existing findings and presenting new data that call the relationship into question. Across six studies conducted online using MTurk samples, we observed no effect of control manipulations on conspiracy theory beliefs, while replicating previously reported correlational evidence of their association. The results suggest that conspiracy beliefs are not suitable for compensating for threats to control. We discuss possible reasons for the discrepancy between experimental and correlational effects and examine the limitations of the studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Stojanov & Jesse M Bering & Jamin Halberstadt, 2020. "Does Perceived Lack of Control Lead to Conspiracy Theory Beliefs? Findings from an online MTurk sample," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0237771
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237771
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Keisha M. Cutright, 2012. "The Beauty of Boundaries: When and Why We Seek Structure in Consumption," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 38(5), pages 775-790.
    2. Robert Brotherton & Christopher C French, 2015. "Intention Seekers: Conspiracist Ideation and Biased Attributions of Intentionality," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(5), pages 1-14, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Seoyong Kim & Sunhee Kim, 2020. "Searching for General Model of Conspiracy Theories and Its Implication for Public Health Policy: Analysis of the Impacts of Political, Psychological, Structural Factors on Conspiracy Beliefs about the," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-28, December.

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