Why do people believe in conspiracy theories? 2500-PL-PS-FO-53

This course has not yet been described...

Term 2026Z:

The seminar aims to acquaint participants with the current state of psychological knowledge on belief in conspiracy theories - from their definition and measurement, through psychological and macro-social predictors, to consequences and intervention strategies that can reduce such beliefs.

During the course, participants will first become familiar with definitions of conspiracy theories and ways of operationalizing them. Next, classical approaches explaining belief in conspiracy theories (demographic and cognitive factors) will be discussed, followed by newer theoretical frameworks referring to epistemic, existential, and social motives. Subsequent classes will focus on cultural and historical factors (including corruption, limited freedom, and collective trauma), as well as on the consequences of belief in conspiracy theories and available intervention strategies. In the second half of the semester, participants will gradually develop their own research project and then present it during the final class.

Throughout the course, participants will learn to:
- Define conspiracy theories
- Critically evaluate tools for measuring conspiracy beliefs
- Recognize different predictors of belief in conspiracy theories
- Analyze the consequences of belief in conspiracy theories at the individual and societal levels
- Critically evaluate the assumptions and effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing belief in conspiracy theories
- Independently design a study related to the topic of the course

Course coordinators

Maciej Siemiątkowski

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:
K_W01 Knows the specific features of the scientific language of psychology and understands the differences between psychological concepts and their everyday counterparts.
K_W10 Knows and understands in depth the psychological mechanisms underlying belief in conspiracy theories - epistemic, existential, and social motives - and their significance for individual functioning in a group context.
K_W12 Knows measures of belief in conspiracy theories and their methodological limitations.
K_W08 Knows the supra-individual (cultural, political, historical) determinants of belief in conspiracy theories and can distinguish them from individual-level factors.
Skills:
K_U04 Is able to analyze the results of empirical studies on belief in conspiracy theories using appropriate statistical methods and theoretical frameworks.
K_U06 Is able to prepare and present, in oral and written form, their own research project related to the topic of the course.
Social competences:
K_K04 Understands the need to continuously update knowledge in a rapidly changing research field, including in response to the rapid development of media.
K_K06 Is able to initiate and lead a substantive discussion; listens to others attentively and responds constructively.