HRPYC81
PROJECT 5: The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs
Assignment 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2026
Due Date: 2026
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). Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
PROJECT 5: The Psychology of Conspiracy Beliefs
Assignment 2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2026
Due Date: 2026
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). Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +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
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
