Joseph E. Uscinski

Dec 23, 2024 | mdpi.com | Joseph E. Uscinski

3. Overview of Hypothesis and StudiesIn the two studies that follow, we test the hypothesis that the rhetoric often surrounding conspiracy theories in speeches and online communications can make them differentially persuasive. Rhetoric may be able to persuade audiences of conspiracy theories, but speakers often choose rhetoric with audiences in mind (Feinberg and Willer 2015) and audiences selectively pay attention to messages that they already agree with (Stroud 2008).

Oct 8, 2024 | audible.com | Joseph E. Uscinski |Joseph M. Parent

The moon landing was faked; 9/11 was an inside job — conspiracy theories like these seem to surround most major events now, even when the facts have been well established for years. These beliefs make plenty of headlines. There have also been some high profile cases of violence being committed by people espousing conspiracy theories. So why do people believe in conspiracy theories and when do they actually pose a threat? Please note: Our show is produced for the ear and made to be heard.

Jul 3, 2024 | journals.plos.org | Shane Littrell |Casey Klofstad |Coral Gables |Joseph E. Uscinski

Loading metrics Open Access Peer-reviewedResearch Article Citation: Littrell S, Klofstad C, Uscinski JE (2024) The political, psychological, and social correlates of cryptocurrency ownership. PLoS ONE 19(7): e0305178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0305178Editor: Cengiz Erisen, Yeditepe University, TURKEYReceived: July 20, 2023; Accepted: May 26, 2024; Published: July 3, 2024Copyright: © 2024 Littrell et al.

Jun 20, 2024 | nature.com | Joseph E. Uscinski

AbstractDespite hundreds of studies examining belief in conspiracy theories, it is still unclear who—demographically—is most likely to believe such theories. To remedy this knowledge gap, we examine survey data containing various operationalizations of conspiracism across diverse sociopolitical contexts. Study 1 employs a 2021 U.S. survey (n = 2021) to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics and beliefs in 39 conspiracy theories.

Nov 13, 2023 | welt.de | Joseph E. Uscinski

Die Wahrheit ist wichtig. Lassen sich Menschen von schlichtweg falschen Behauptungen überzeugen, handeln sie möglicherweise nach diesen Überzeugungen, und diese Handlungen stehen dann unter Umständen im Widerspruch zur Realität. Chaos und Katastrophen können die Folgen sein. Es versteht sich von selbst, dass wir alle lieber in einer Welt leben würden, in der unsere Meinungen und die unserer Mitmenschen eng mit der Wahrheit verknüpft sind.