HRPYC81
Assignment 2 Project 5 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CONSPIRACY BELIEFS
1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 Conceptualisation of Conspiracy Theory Beliefs
Conspiracy theory beliefs have been conceptualised as a complex psychological
phenomenon that reflects individuals’ attempts to make sense of uncertain,
threatening, or ambiguous events. Early and contemporary scholars converge on the
idea that these beliefs involve explanations that attribute significant events to secret
plots orchestrated by powerful groups, yet they differ in the emphasis placed on
cognitive, motivational, and social dimensions. For instance, Karen M. Douglas and
colleagues conceptualise conspiracy beliefs as attempts to explain events through
hidden, malevolent intentions of coordinated actors, highlighting the role of perceived
threat and intentionality in shaping such beliefs (Douglas et al., 2019). Similarly, Jan-
Willem van Prooijen and Mark van Vugt emphasise that conspiracy theories are
grounded in evolved psychological mechanisms that promote vigilance toward
potential coalitions that may pose danger, suggesting an adaptive basis for such
beliefs (van Prooijen & van Vugt, 2018).
Despite these shared elements, differences emerge in how scholars structure the
dimensions of conspiracy beliefs. Some researchers distinguish between a general
conspiracy mentality and specific conspiracy beliefs. Roland Imhoff argues that a
general conspiracy mentality represents a stable predisposition to perceive events
as conspiratorial, whereas specific conspiracy beliefs refer to endorsement of
particular narratives such as political or health-related conspiracies (Imhoff et al.,
2022). In contrast, Joseph Uscinski and colleagues conceptualise conspiracy beliefs
within a broader socio-political framework, highlighting how political attitudes and
group identities shape the endorsement of specific conspiratorial narratives (Uscinski
et al., 2022).
A key point of convergence across the literature is that conspiracy beliefs typically
contain identifiable dimensions. These include pattern perception, where individuals
detect meaningful connections between unrelated events; agency, which involves
attributing intentional actions to powerful actors; coalition, referring to the belief that
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 2 Project 5 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: 2026
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CONSPIRACY BELIEFS
1. LITERATURE REVIEW
1.1 Conceptualisation of Conspiracy Theory Beliefs
Conspiracy theory beliefs have been conceptualised as a complex psychological
phenomenon that reflects individuals’ attempts to make sense of uncertain,
threatening, or ambiguous events. Early and contemporary scholars converge on the
idea that these beliefs involve explanations that attribute significant events to secret
plots orchestrated by powerful groups, yet they differ in the emphasis placed on
cognitive, motivational, and social dimensions. For instance, Karen M. Douglas and
colleagues conceptualise conspiracy beliefs as attempts to explain events through
hidden, malevolent intentions of coordinated actors, highlighting the role of perceived
threat and intentionality in shaping such beliefs (Douglas et al., 2019). Similarly, Jan-
Willem van Prooijen and Mark van Vugt emphasise that conspiracy theories are
grounded in evolved psychological mechanisms that promote vigilance toward
potential coalitions that may pose danger, suggesting an adaptive basis for such
beliefs (van Prooijen & van Vugt, 2018).
Despite these shared elements, differences emerge in how scholars structure the
dimensions of conspiracy beliefs. Some researchers distinguish between a general
conspiracy mentality and specific conspiracy beliefs. Roland Imhoff argues that a
general conspiracy mentality represents a stable predisposition to perceive events
as conspiratorial, whereas specific conspiracy beliefs refer to endorsement of
particular narratives such as political or health-related conspiracies (Imhoff et al.,
2022). In contrast, Joseph Uscinski and colleagues conceptualise conspiracy beliefs
within a broader socio-political framework, highlighting how political attitudes and
group identities shape the endorsement of specific conspiratorial narratives (Uscinski
et al., 2022).
A key point of convergence across the literature is that conspiracy beliefs typically
contain identifiable dimensions. These include pattern perception, where individuals
detect meaningful connections between unrelated events; agency, which involves
attributing intentional actions to powerful actors; coalition, referring to the belief that
Varsity Cube 2026 +27 81 278 3372
