Max Matsuzaka

Conspiracy theories are defined as attempts to explain world events as a result of the schemes of a person or a certain group of people. Examples include the belief that COVID-19 was a bioweapon or that the United States was responsible for the September 11 terrorist attacks. Belief in conspiracy theories are associated with dangerous effects, such as support for violence or dangerous beliefs regarding health. As a result, it is imperative to better understand the factors associated with belief in conspiracy theories.

There are various motives, or factors, associated with belief in conspiracy theories. Among them are anxiety and lack of control. Anxiety generally describes fear and worry. Anxiety can be divided into trait anxiety and state anxiety. Trait anxiety is a more long-lasting form of anxiety, where an individual exhibits a tendency to display worry. State anxiety, on the other hand, is more short-term. Additionally, control is defined as being able to affect events. As a result, lacking control can lead to one feeling less secure. Both anxiety and lack of control are linked with belief in conspiracy theories, however, it is not known whether they are a cause or an effect of belief in conspiracy theories. Similarly, findings regarding these relationships remain inconsistent. 

A study would likely entail conducting a survey online. Participants would be asked to respond to questions measuring either their anxiety and lack of control as well as belief in conspiracy theories. However, it could either consist of a cross-sectional study, where a group was studied over a particular point in time, or a longitudinal study, where a group was studied over different points in time. While much of the research regarding anxiety and lack of control and belief in conspiracy theories have been cross-sectional, a longitudinal study would provide better insight into the order in which anxiety, lack of control, and conspiracy theories occur.