Despite the rapid growth of social scientific literature on conspiracy theories, fragmentation rather than dialogue remains the norm across disciplines. One significant divide lies between the individual/cognitive and sociopolitical dimensions of conspiracy beliefs, which are often studied in isolation.
This article seeks to bridge this gap. Efe Peker (University of Ottawa, School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies) and Frédérick Guillaume Dufour (Université du Québec à Montréal) conduct a selective review of post-2010 literature that examines conspiracy theories from both (social) psychological and political sociological perspectives. Their aim is to highlight and compare the key findings from these different research angles.
- Psychological studies, which focus on individual and group variables, tend to explore the public “demand” for conspiracy theories. They investigate why people are inclined to believe in such narratives, including cognitive biases, personality traits, and psychological motivations.
- In contrast, sociopolitical research on conspiracy theories in collective phenomena—such as populism and social movements—is more focused on explaining the “supply” side. These studies examine how conspiracy narratives are constructed, disseminated, and leveraged by political leaders, media influencers, and social networks.
Beyond the quantitative-qualitative divide already identified in the literature, research on conspiracy theories is also shaped by differences in the levels of analysis and the “market dynamics” of conspiracy narratives, both on the supply and demand sides.
The article advocates for closer dialogue between three levels of analysis:
- Micro (Individual): To understand cognitive processes and personal motivations behind conspiracy beliefs.
- Meso (Interpersonal): To explore group dynamics, social networks, and the influence of community interactions on belief formation.
- Macro (National/Global): To analyze the political, cultural, and media contexts that shape the acceptance of conspiracy narratives on a larger scale.
By integrating these levels of analysis, the article proposes a holistic approach that moves beyond the traditional quantitative-qualitative divide and incorporates both supply and demand factors that drive conspiracy narratives.
This article is essential reading for anyone looking to understand the complex mechanisms behind conspiracy theories. By combining psychological and sociopolitical perspectives, it offers an innovative analysis of the “market dynamics” of conspiracy narratives, emphasizing both the supply and demand dimensions.
Moreover, the article represents a significant advancement in conspiracy theory research by calling for interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome the current fragmentation and gain a deeper understanding of the emergence and spread of conspiracy narratives.
To explore this comprehensive analysis and dive deeper into the study’s findings, read the full article here: "Bridging the Cognitive/Collective and Supply/Demand Divides in Conspiracy Theory Research".