WF: Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

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Psychology

The course is a concise overview of the known mechanisms of conspiracy belief formation and research findings on the psychological determinants of belief in conspiracy theories;

The course aims

• to introduce students to core concepts of psychology of conspiracy theories.

• to teach students how the knowledge of these mechanisms might be used to understand a broader range of counterfactual beliefs;

• to support students' development of their reflection on the psychological consequences of conspiracy theories and the role of psychological practitioners in addressing them.

English language comprehension required for understanding scientific texts

• lecture,

• lecture with presentation,

• discussion

5

Conspiracy theories are explanatory beliefs about a group of actors that work in secret to reach malevolent goals. Recent events have shown their considerable impact on public health, safety, and social relations. This course aims:

• to introduce students to core concepts of psychology of conspiracy theories. The course is a concise overview of the known mechanisms of conspiracy belief formation and research findings on the psychological determinants of belief in conspiracy theories;

• to teach students how the knowledge of these mechanisms might be used to understand a broader range of counterfactual beliefs;

• to support students' development of their reflection on the psychological consequences of conspiracy theories and the role of psychological practitioners in addressing them.

Butter, M., & Knight, P. (Eds.). (2020). Routledge handbook of conspiracy theories. Routledge.

van Proojien, J. W. (2018). Psychology of conspiracy theories. Routledge.

After passing the course, the student:

- Is familiar with the core concepts in the psychological studies of

conspiracy theories

- Describes the psychosocial determinants and

consequences of conspiratorial beliefs within the theoretical

approaches discussed

- Reflects on psychological consequences of conspiracy

theories and the role of psychological practitioners in

addressing them

Written exam.

Students will be graded according to the following scoring system:

5 (very good): score on final exam over 90%

4,5 (good plus): score on final exam over 85 to 90%

4 (good): score on final exam over 75 to 85 points

3,5 (satisfying plus): score on final exam over 65 to 75 points

3 (satisfying): score on final exam over 50 to 65 points

2 (insufficient): score on final exam up to 50 points