perspective, as proposed by us (Kingdom et al 2007a, 2007b), but a variant of the Jastrow illusion. Maniatis suggests that the Jastrow illusion is an example of simultaneous size contrast, and that the Leaning Tower illusion is the orientation analog of the Jastrow. In other words the Leaning Tower illusion is an example of simultaneous tilt (or orientation) contrast, or acute-angle expansion, ...

the present research seeks to answer the fundamental question of how the belief in the plot of conspiracy as a cultural barrier to the achievement of the Iranian society of political development has worked. In this research, using the documentary, historical and analytical method, the sociological analysis of the influence of the belief in the plot of conspiracy in the failure of the Iranian so...

PURPOSE Belief in conspiracy theories about societal events is widespread among citizens. The extent to which conspiracy beliefs about managers and supervisors matter in the micro-level setting of organizations has not yet been examined, however. We investigated if leadership styles predict conspiracy beliefs among employees in the context of organizations. Furthermore, we examined if such orga...

An important component of conspiracy theories is how they influence, and are influenced by, the evaluation of potential evidence. Some individuals may be more open minded regarding certain explanations for events whereas others may seek closure and thus cut off a conspiracy explanation. Two studies examined the relationship between the need for cognitive closure (NFCC), levels of belief in real...

Conspiracy theories have been seen as important supporting components in extreme political beliefs. This paper considers conspiracy theories in the counter jihad movement, an international network combining cultural nationalism with xenophobia towards Muslims. Academic accounts have described the importance of Islamisation conspiracy theories within this movement. This paper evaluates the natur...

Conspiracy theories can form a monological belief system: A self-sustaining worldview comprised of a network of mutually supportive beliefs. The present research shows that even mutually incompatible conspiracy theories are positively correlated in endorsement. In Study 1 (n 1⁄4 137), the more participants believed that Princess Diana faked her own death, the more they believed that she was mur...

The current studies investigated the potential impact of anti-vaccine conspiracy beliefs, and exposure to anti-vaccine conspiracy theories, on vaccination intentions. In Study 1, British parents completed a questionnaire measuring beliefs in anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and the likelihood that they would have a fictitious child vaccinated. Results revealed a significant negative relationshi...