With respect to its validity, we show that the GCB-5 is associated with both self- and informant-report measures of conspiracist beliefs, as well as with a multitude of theoretically relevant constructs, including anomie, fatalism, and delusional ideation. With respect to its reliability, we find consistent evidence that a single latent factor underlies the GCB-5 and accounts for a sizeable proportion of the variation in its items. Across five studies, we demonstrate that the GCB-5 is both a reliable and valid measure of conspiracist ideation. Here we introduce the GCB-5-a 5-item, short form of the GCB-15. At 15 items, the GCB-15 can take upwards of four minutes to complete, limiting its usefulness in situations where administration time and participant attention are limited. The Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCB-15) is a reliable and valid measure of conspiracist ideation, but it is also inefficient. The current findings suggest that conspiracy theories may have potentially significant social consequences, and highlight the need for further research on the social psychology of conspiracism. Exposure to climate change conspiracy theories also influenced political intentions, an effect mediated by political powerlessness. This effect was mediated by powerlessness with respect to climate change, uncertainty, and disillusionment.

Results revealed that exposure to information supporting the conspiracy theories reduced participants' intentions to reduce their carbon footprint, relative to participants who were given refuting information, or those in a control condition. In Study 2, participants were exposed to conspiracy theories concerning the issue of climate change. This effect was mediated by feelings of political powerlessness. Results revealed that exposure to information supporting conspiracy theories reduced participants' intentions to engage in politics, relative to participants who were given information refuting conspiracy theories. In Study 1, participants were exposed to a range of conspiracy theories concerning government involvement in significant events such as the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. The current studies explored the social consequences of exposure to conspiracy theories.

Conspire conference 2014