| Popis: |
Studies generally find a moderate positive correlation between conspiratorial thinking and belief in specific conspiracy theories. However, the mechanisms behind conspiratorial thinking (and whether there is a correlation with rationality) are less established. Cognitive factors, such as memory and how people assess the truth of statements, can mean misinformation is resistant to correction in general, but it has yet to be established whether adherents of conspiratorial thinking are in some way set apart by their mode of cognition. There have, however, been some past attempts to link conspiratorial thinking to broader failures of rationality, such as tolerance of contradiction. This study will collect a single data set that will inform four separate dissertation projects, each of which will focus on a specific topic (numbered 1-4). We will consider whether respondents who score high on conspiratorial thinking perform differently on tests of rational thinking/analytic reasoning (1); Inclination for system 1 (intuitive/experiential) or system 2 (logical/rational) thinking (2); and tendency to attribute intentionality/agency to inanimate objects (3). It will additionally consider whether individual personality traits predict conspiratorial thinking, as measured by a test for “Big Five” traits (4). Note that "Big Five" traits are included as part of study (4), which is not registered here. Studies (1) and (2) will consider "Big Five" trait scores on an exploratory basis, but do not make any particular predictions in this area. Project (1) is principally concerned with whether there is a correlation between rational thinking/analytic reasoning test scores and conspiratorial thinking. Participants' scores on items (2), (3) and (4) will also be used to draw correlations and inform the discussion. Project (2) is concerned with whether there is a link between conspiratorial belief and type of thinking (system 1 or 2). Information from other projects (1, 3 and 4) will also be used to derive correlations and inform discussion. Project (3) is principally concerned with whether there is a correlation between the tendency to attribute intentionality/agency to inanimate objects and conspiratorial thinking. Participants' scores on items (1), (2) and (4) will also be used to draw correlations and inform the discussion. |
