Category Archives: Biases & heuristics

Internet prophecy cults 101: QAnon and his predecessors

Posted on April 15, 2018 by Mike Wood

<this post is a 100%, definitely real email I recently sent that I thought I’d share> FROM: mike@conspiracypsych.com TO: operations@soros.org SUBJECT: Re: advice pls Hi George, Thanks for your email. Flattered that you thought of me – of course I … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics, Confirmation bias, Events, World events | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

Intention Seekers: The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories About MS804

Posted on May 22, 2016 by Rob Brotherton

I wrote a post over at Psychology Today on the psychology behind conspiracy theories about airline disasters like the disappearance of MH370, and more recently, MS804. Part of the appeal, according to a handful of recent studies, may be how … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics, Intentionality bias, World events | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

On “crazy” conspiracy theories

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Rob Brotherton

I wrote an op ed, published today on LATimes.com, on the topic of dismissing conspiracy theories (and theorists) as “crazy.” Pithy insults like crazy, delusional, irrational, wacky have become a common refrain, at least among click-baiting headline-writers and over-zealous pundits. But, as I … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics, Pop culture, Proportionality bias, Suspicious Minds | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Vice Motherboard article on conspiracy psychology

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Rob Brotherton

A recent article by journalist Molly Osberg gives an excellent overview of the psychology of conspiracy theories, including a few quotes from me, among other researchers. “There’s not that much of a difference, really, between conspiracy theorists and the rest … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics, Suspicious Minds | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Why tidying your desk might make conspiracy theories seem less plausible

Posted on June 11, 2014 by Rob Brotherton

A recent study by psychologists at the University of Amsterdam looked at the consequences of feeling ambivalent, with interesting implications for belief in conspiracy theories. We experience ambivalence when we feel both good and bad about something at the same … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics | Tagged , , , | 144 Comments

The President is Dead: Why Conspiracy Theories About the Death of JFK Endure

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Rob Brotherton

November 22nd marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Over the years, numerous investigations have amassed evidence that Lee Harvey Oswald was the assassin, and failed to find compelling proof that anyone else was involved. … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics, Proportionality bias, World events | Tagged , , , , | 75 Comments

Robert F Kennedy Jr and vaccines : How even the brightest can fall victim to conspiracy thinking

Posted on June 14, 2013 by Christopher Thresher-Andrews

Robert F Kennedy Jr, famously one of  Robert “Bobby” Kennedy, Sr ‘s 11 children, has made press many times over the last ten years with his staunch anti-vaccination views. In 2005, he wrote an article for Salon.com proclaiming that a government conspiracy … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics, Confirmation bias, What's the harm | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

When the levees break: Hurricane conspiracy theorising

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Rob Brotherton

Hurricane Katrina remains one of the worst natural disasters to occur on U.S. soil. It’s estimated that at least 1,833 people were killed in the hurricane and subsequent floods, and property damage was in the region of $81 billion. Conspiracy … Continue reading →

Posted in Biases & heuristics, Proportionality bias | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

How to sell a conspiracy theory

Posted on October 11, 2012 by Rob Brotherton

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

Posted on October 7, 2012 by Rob Brotherton

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 , , , , , , | 10 Comments