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Conspiracy Theories and Strategic Sophistication: an Online Study

Author

Listed:
  • Erika Domotor
  • Adrien Fillon
  • Kenzo Nera
  • Zacharias Maniadis

Abstract

The prevalence of conspiracy theories is a concern in western countries, yet the phenomenon is rarely addressed in experimental economics. In two preregistered online studies (NStudy 1 = 97, NStudy 2 = 203) we examine the relationship between exposure to conspiracy modes of thinking, self-reported conspiracy mentality, and behaviour in an economic game that measures strategic sophistication. Part of our design was based on Balafoutas, Libman, Selamis, and Vollan (2021), who found a positive relationship between exposure to conspiracy modes of thinking and strategic sophistication. Our results did not corroborate their findings in an online setting. Our measures of conspiracy mentality were modestly correlated with strategic sophistication in Study 2, but not in Study 1. Conspiracy mentality was also correlated with manipulativeness.

Suggested Citation

  • Erika Domotor & Adrien Fillon & Kenzo Nera & Zacharias Maniadis, 2024. "Conspiracy Theories and Strategic Sophistication: an Online Study," University of Cyprus Working Papers in Economics 01-2024, University of Cyprus Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucy:cypeua:01-2024
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Conspiracy theory; k-level reasoning; trust; strategic sophistication;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C90 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - General
    • C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games

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