This program of research has three arms. The first is to examine the cognitive mechanisms underlying certain alternative beliefs, such as conspiracy theories. In addition, we examine the development of various different contributors to such alternative beliefs, such as intuitive theories about science, developing (dis)trust in expertise, and the development of attitudes that influence views about science (e.g., science curiosity, religiosity, morality and values, etc). Finally, we look at the influence of the various messages that promote such alternative beliefs.
Link to project page on osf.io
Working Papers
Conspiracy Ideation and "Fake News" about Science
Here, we examined whether conspiracy ideation predicts acceptance of fake news about science as well as rejection of scientific facts that are publicly controversial (e.g., evolution, climate change). We found that conspiracy ideation predicted acceptance of fake science news stories and rejection of evolution, but not rejection of human-caused climate change.
Paper submitted for presentation at the 2018 meeting of the Cognitive Science Society.
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It's not a planet it's a plane: Explaining a
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Susceptibility to Misleading Flat Earth Arguments on YouTube
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Presentations
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17 February 2019
3:30pm EST |
YouTube as the Primary Propagator of Flat Earth Philosophy (PDF)
Symposium at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Washington, D.C. |
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17 February 2018
10-11:30am CST |
The Role of Conspiracy Theories in Perceptions of Fake News About Science (PDF)
Symposium at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Austin, TX |