Prof. Karen M. Douglas
My primary research focus is on beliefs in conspiracy theories. Why are conspiracy theories so popular? Who believes them? Why do people believe them? What are some of the consequences of conspiracy theories and can such theories be harmful?
See https://www.kent.ac.uk/psychology/people/221/douglas-karen
Primary Interests:
- Attitudes and Beliefs
- Communication, Language
- Group Processes
- Intergroup Relations
- Internet and Virtual Psychology
- Interpersonal Processes
- Person Perception
- Persuasion, Social Influence
- Prejudice and Stereotyping
- Social Cognition
Research Group or Laboratory:
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Why People Believe in Conspiracy Theories
Description
Episode of the APA podcast "Speaking of Psychology": COVID-19 and the U.S. elections have provided fertile ground for conspiracy theories—with sometimes disastrous consequences. Karen Douglas discusses psychological research on how conspiracy theories start, why they persist, who is most likely to believe them, and whether there is any way to combat them effectively.
Prof. Karen M. Douglas
School of Psychology
Keynes College
University of Kent
Canterbury CT2 7NP
United Kingdom
- Phone: +44 1227 824758
- Fax: +44 1227 827030