Basic
Conspiracy
What is a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful?
Immune to Evidence
What is re-interpreting any evidence that counters a conspiracy theory as originating from the conspiracy?
Lateral Reading
What is a method of determining credibility of online information in which you open multiple tabs to search for other information to validate the site’s claims?
The unsinkable ship didn't ever really sink.
What is the "Titanic never sank" conspiracy theory?
The government did this during American Prohibition to discourage people from drinking alcohol.
What is the "Alcohol poisoning" conspiracy?
Cherry Picking
What is the action or practice of choosing and taking only the most beneficial or profitable items, opportunities, etc., from what is available?
Skepticism
What is doubt as to the truth of something and the theory that certain knowledge is impossible?
Corroboration
What are additional sources that confirm or support the claims of a news story, article or piece of information?
This country never existed.
What is the "Finland isn't real" conspiracy theory?
What is the "Throckmorton Plot (1583)?"
Conspiracy Theory
a belief that some secret but influential organization is responsible for an event or phenomenon.
Misinformation
What is the false or inaccurate information, especially that which is intended to deceive?
Motivated Reasoning
What is a cognitive and social response where people's emotions and motivations shape their perception and evaluation of new information?
The government is hiding the fact that humans have supernatural abilities.
What is the "Humans have superpowers" conspiracy theory?
What is "The Business Plot (1933)?"
Moderator
Who typically volunteers with varying levels of training who review content posted in an online community for safety, privacy, and content concerns?
Disinformation
What is the false or inaccurate information intended to deceive?
Patternicity
These creatures were thought to be mythical, but they're actually real and live in the ocean.
What is the "Mermaids are real" conspiracy theory?
This US government agency was responsible for the assassinations of Mossadegh in Iran, Allende in Chile, as well as other leaders and revolutionaries in Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Asia. They made their assassinations appear like car accidents, suicides, cancers, and heart attacks. When their declassified “Heart Attack Gun” wasn’t necessary, they would just shoot their targets with actual bullets.
What is the "CIA Assassinations" (1975) theory?