Discussion Paper 2404, 'Conspiracy Theories and Strategic Sophistication: an Online Study', by Erika Domotor (University of Cyprus), Adrien Fillon (University of Cyprus), Kenzo Nera (Universite libre de Bruxelles), Zacharias Maniadis (University of Southampton and University of Cyprus).
The prevalence of conspiracy theories is a concern in western countries, yet the phenomenon is rarely addressed in experimental economics. In two preregistered online studies (NStudy 1 = 97, NStudy 2 = 203) we examine the relationship between exposure to conspiracy modes of thinking, self-reported conspiracy mentality, and behaviour in an economic game that measures strategic sophistication. Part of our design was based on Balafoutas, Libman, Selamis, and Vollan (2021), who found a positive relationship between exposure to conspiracy modes of thinking and strategic sophistication. Our results did not corroborate their findings in an online setting. Our measures of conspiracy mentality were modestly correlated with strategic sophistication in Study 2, but not in Study 1. Conspiracy mentality was also correlated with manipulativeness.
Keywords: Conspiracy theory, k-level reasoning, trust, strategic sophistication
JEL Classification: D91 , C90 , C72
Conspiracy Theories and Strategic Sophistication: an Online Study