Category Archives: 9/11

Conspiracy distractions

[I wrote this article two years ago, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It was originally published in The Skeptic magazine.] On the morning of September 11th, 2011, New York City solemnly remembered the thousands of people who … Continue reading

Posted in 9/11, World events | Tagged , , , , | 229 Comments

21% of US voters believe Obama is the Anti-Christ : The problem with conspiracy polling

A recent poll by ‘Public Polling Policy’, (despite the name, a private US polling company) conducted an automated telephone poll of 1247 registered US voters and asked respondents a variety of questions about their belief in various popular conspiracy theories. The … Continue reading

Posted in 9/11, Round-Ups, Social psychology, What's the harm, World events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

28% of US voters believe in a ‘New World Order’ – Infographic

A short post today to bring you a great info-graphic detailing the poll results from the recent Public Policy Polling data. Click to enlarge for the best view!

Posted in 9/11, Round-Ups, World events | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Conspiracy beliefs and TV licences: ‘Turning off’ engagement

As blogged about previously, conspiracy theories are influential and exposure to such theories can influence both beliefs and behavioural intentions in a variety of domains. However, a recent news story caught my attention, as it clearly demonstrated a sense of detachment with … Continue reading

Posted in 9/11, Social psychology, What's the harm | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

How to sell a conspiracy theory

Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth (A&E9/11 for short), more than any other conspiracist organisation I’ve come across, showcases the psychology of sales techniques, influence, and persuasion. I don’t doubt the sincerity of those who believe the claims made by … Continue reading

Posted in 9/11, Biases & heuristics, Social psychology | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Psychology of A&E9/11Truth on SGU

This week’s Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe features a discussion (starting at 38:20) of the claims made by Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth. A&E9/11Truth is a conspiracist organisation whose main argument is that the collapse of the three World … Continue reading

Posted in 9/11, Biases & heuristics, Confirmation bias | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments