Conspiracy theories are explanations for events or situations that invoke a conspiracy by sinister and powerful groups, often political in nature. They are abundant in social and political discourse, with serious consequences for individuals, groups, and societies. Psychological scientists have found that when someone falls down a conspiracy rabbit hole, there are very few proven ways to pull them out.
Conspiration theories project not only an interpretive logic of reality that leads people to believe in sinister machinations but also imply a theory of power that requires a deeper dive into cognitive psychology and our biases. Students can learn about the conspiracy theories that flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, why they can be dangerous, and how to identify, debunk, and counter them.
Conspiration theories can be used as a tool for teaching about this topic, as well as a classroom resource for secondary school pupils exploring the power of conspiracy theories. Students can create their own PowerPoint presentations based on conspiracy theories, explore the power of conspiracy theories, and even create their own PowerPoints based on their beliefs.
In six experiments, researchers examined how sharing conspiracy theories can have important consequences for both impression-management and self-perception. By understanding the role and spread of conspiracy theories in U.S. public life, students can better understand the implications of these theories on individuals, groups, and societies.
📹 Conspiracy Theories Past & Present: Webinar and Lesson Plan
This teacher-led webinar walks you through an engaging new lesson from CRF. Help your students learn how to identify …
📹 The truth behind conspiracy theories | Awsam Bouabid | Simsbury High School
In this presentation, the definition and effects of conspiracy theories is discussed. Additionally, solutions are presented and noted.
Logically speaking, arguments are either deductively sound or inductively cogent, or they aren’t . Calling an argument a conspiracy theory of anything else doesn’t change that fact . But then again, it would difficult for the vast majority of Americans be able to discern that since the science of classical logic hasn’t been taught in our State controlled public school system for more than a century. The Underground History of American Education by John Gatto