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Connecting the Dots: Illusory Pattern Perception Predicts Belief in Conspiracies and the Supernatural

van Prooijen, Jan-Willem, Douglas, Karen, De Inocencio, Clara (2017) Connecting the Dots: Illusory Pattern Perception Predicts Belief in Conspiracies and the Supernatural. European Journal of Social Psychology, 48 (3). pp. 320-335. ISSN 0046-2772. E-ISSN 1099-0992. (doi:10.1002/ejsp.2331) (KAR id:63244)

Abstract

A common assumption is that belief in conspiracy theories and supernatural phenomena are grounded in illusory pattern perception. In the present research we systematically tested this assumption. Study 1 revealed that such irrational beliefs are related to perceiving patterns in randomly generated coin toss outcomes. In Study 2, pattern search instructions exerted an indirect effect on irrational beliefs through pattern perception. Study 3 revealed that perceiving patterns in chaotic but not in structured paintings predicted irrational beliefs. In Study 4, we found that agreement with texts supporting paranormal phenomena or conspiracy theories predicted pattern perception. In Study 5, we manipulated belief in a specific conspiracy theory. This manipulation influenced the extent to which people perceive patterns in world events, which in turn predicted unrelated irrational beliefs. We conclude that illusory pattern perception is a central cognitive mechanism accounting for conspiracy theories and supernatural beliefs.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1002/ejsp.2331
Uncontrolled keywords: Illusory pattern perception; conspiracy beliefs; supernatural beliefs; irrational beliefs
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User: Karen Douglas
Date Deposited: 06 Sep 2017 11:32 UTC
Last Modified: 04 Mar 2024 15:48 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/63244 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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