Category Archives: Proportionality bias

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

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

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