On Different Operationalizations and Conceptualizations of the Tendency to Believe in Conspiracy Theories

Abstract: This commentary in response to Nera (2024, this issue) offers an overview of different operationalizations and conceptualizations of the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. It distinguishes Conspiracy Mentality (the disposition to believe in any kind of conspiracy theory) from the Belief in Conspiracy Theories (described as latent variable or monological network underlying the belief in many popular and scientifically unwarranted conspiracy theories, sometimes also called conspiracy ideation or generalized conspiracy belief) and the belief in a specific conspiracy theory (for example surrounding the Apollo moonlanding or COVID-19). It emphasizes the need for researchers to be clear about their operationalization and conceptualization of the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories, especially when making causal statements about its impact on the belief in specific conspiracy theories.