ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3101-2824
Current Organisations
University of Nottingham
,
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
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Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 09-09-2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-03-2019
DOI: 10.1111/BJOP.12385
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-02-2017
DOI: 10.1111/POPS.12404
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-01-2019
DOI: 10.1111/BJSO.12311
Abstract: Belief in conspiracy theories is associated with negative outcomes such as political disengagement, prejudice, and environmental inaction. The current studies - one cross-sectional (N = 253) and one experimental (N = 120) - tested the hypothesis that belief in conspiracy theories would increase intentions to engage in everyday crime. Study 1 demonstrated that belief in conspiracy theories predicted everyday crime behaviours when controlling for other known predictors of everyday crime (e.g., Honesty-Humility). Study 2 demonstrated that exposure to conspiracy theories (vs. control) increased intentions to engage in everyday crime in the future, through an increased feeling of anomie. The perception that others have conspired may therefore in some contexts lead to negative action rather than inaction.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-02-2021
DOI: 10.1111/BJDP.12368
Abstract: Four studies (total n = 961) developed and validated the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ). Initial items were developed in collaboration with teachers. An exploratory factor analysis (Study 1, n = 208, aged 11–14) and a student focus group ( N = 3, aged 11) enabled us to establish the factor structure of a 9‐item scale. This was replicated via confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2 ( N = 178, aged 11–17), and the scale displayed good convergent (i.e., relationship with paranoia and mistrust) and discriminant validity (i.e., no relationship with extraversion). Study 3a ( N = 257) further tested convergent validity with a s le of 18‐year‐olds (i.e., relationship with adult‐validated measures of conspiracy beliefs) and demonstrated strong test–retest reliability. Study 3b ( N = 318) replicated these findings with a mixed‐age adult s le. The ACBQ will allow researchers to explore the psychological antecedents and consequences of conspiracy thinking in young populations.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 20-02-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-09-2021
DOI: 10.1111/JASP.12829
Abstract: This research examined the link between conspiracy beliefs and political decisions in the context of the 2016 European Union referendum in the United Kingdom. In a longitudinal study, we surveyed British participants at two‐time points (one week before the referendum vs. immediately after the referendum). At both time points, participants ( n = 334) indicated their belief in conspiracy theories specific to the referendum, their general tendencies toward conspiracy theorizing, their political orientation, and support for leaving the EU, followed by how they voted in the referendum, taken at Time 2. Using cross‐lagged path analysis, we found that conspiracy beliefs specific to the referendum predicted both support for leaving the EU, and voting to leave the EU, above and beyond political orientation. We also found that the general tendency toward conspiracy theorizing predicted belief in conspiracy theories relevant to the referendum, which subsequently led to increased support for leaving the EU. The chief novelty of this research lies in its longitudinal design, allowing us to conclude that conspiracy beliefs precede political behaviors in a temporal sequence.
Publisher: American Physical Society (APS)
Date: 16-10-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-01-2013
DOI: 10.1111/BJOP.12018
Abstract: The current studies explored the social consequences of exposure to conspiracy theories. In Study 1, participants were exposed to a range of conspiracy theories concerning government involvement in significant events such as the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Results revealed that exposure to information supporting conspiracy theories reduced participants' intentions to engage in politics, relative to participants who were given information refuting conspiracy theories. This effect was mediated by feelings of political powerlessness. In Study 2, participants were exposed to conspiracy theories concerning the issue of climate change. Results revealed that exposure to information supporting the conspiracy theories reduced participants' intentions to reduce their carbon footprint, relative to participants who were given refuting information, or those in a control condition. This effect was mediated by powerlessness with respect to climate change, uncertainty, and disillusionment. Exposure to climate change conspiracy theories also influenced political intentions, an effect mediated by political powerlessness. The current findings suggest that conspiracy theories may have potentially significant social consequences, and highlight the need for further research on the social psychology of conspiracism.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JASP.12453
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
No related grants have been discovered for Stephan Fritzsche.