Abstract
This thesis investigates the influence of anxiety on citizen’s beliefs in conspiracy theories. Scholars believe that citizens rely on misinformation while voting, harming the democratic process. I argue that anxiety plays a significant role in a citizen’s life causing them to endorse conspiracy theories. I believe when a citizen has higher levels of anxiety they are more likely to endorse a conspiracy theory. I discovered that people induced with higher levels of anxiety were as likely as those who were not treated with anxiety to endorse conspiracy. Further analysis shows a potential relationship in conspiracy endorsement in education and gender.
Advisor
van Doorn, Bas
Department
Political Science
Recommended Citation
Herman, Michael J., "Tin Foil Hats and Anxious Politics: The impact of Anxiety on Conspiracy Theory Endorsement" (2017). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 7805.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/7805
Disciplines
American Politics | Other Political Science
Keywords
Conspiracy Theories, Voter Behavior, Anxiety, Political Psychology
Publication Date
2017
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2017 Michael J. Herman