"Tin Foil Hats and Anxious Politics: The impact of Anxiety on Conspirac" by Michael J. Herman

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

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

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© Copyright 2017 Michael J. Herman