Conspiracy belief is driven by specific cognitive mechanisms
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 85/100
Multiple empirical studies demonstrate that specific cognitive mechanisms—including statistical biases, low cognitive reflection, intentionalizing biases, and hyper-systemizing—significantly drive belief in conspiracy theories.
Evidence for · 5
Statistical Bias and Endorsement of Conspiracy Theories
2017 · cited by 41
Statistical biases such as conjunction error and perception of randomness predict conspiratorial ideation.
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More for · 4
Cognitive reflection and endorsement of the “great replacement” conspiracy theory
2023 · cited by 7
Lower cognitive reflection and reflective thinking are associated with a greater endorsement of conspiracy theories.
The Psychological Origins of Conspiracy Theory Beliefs: Big Events with Small Causes Amplify Conspiratorial Thinking
2022 · cited by 5
A cognitive tendency to explain big events with small, unappealing causes drives conspiracy theory beliefs.
Cognitive Biases Associated With Specific and Generalized Beliefs in Conspiracy Theory
2025 · cited by 4
Specific cognitive biases from psychosis questionnaires, such as jumping to conclusions and intentionalizing, correlate with conspiracy beliefs.
The hyper-systemizing hypothesis: how the tendency to systemize influences conspiracy beliefs and belief inflexibility in clinical and general populations.
2026 · cited by 0
Systemizing tendencies and distinct cognitive profiles play a key role in the formation of conspiracy beliefs.