Beliefs in conspiracy theories (CT): The role of country context

Schlipphak B, Bollwerk M, & Back M D

Abstract

While there is an increasing body of research on the individual predispositions affecting conspiracy beliefs, little research has to date analysed potential effects on the context level. In this research note, we develop the argument that socialization and communication factors on the context level may directly affect aggregate levels of generic conspiracy beliefs. Second, we analyse whether these context level factors also interact with specific characteristics of the conspiracy theory - in our case, the actors involved in the CT. Running survey experiments in Germany, Poland, and Jordan (total N = 4,113), we find evidence for aggregate level differences between countries and for interactions between country-specific heuristics and characteristics of the CT. These findings are in line with expectations based on context level socialization and communication mechanisms. In closing, we discuss remaining limitations and outline promising avenues for future research.