Stephen Murphy
“The main aim of our project is to create dialogue and discussion between members of the public and those involved in science and public policy.”
Midlands Science
Project Name: The Social Lives of Conspiracy Theorists
Problem addressed by the research
During the pandemic, social cohesion and public health were undermined by conspiracy theories discouraging vaccination, adherence to guidelines, and acceptance of scientific evidence. Why do these conspiracy theories spread?
Project description
Shifting attention from predominantly individualised explanations, which pathologise the issue, Professor Stephen Murphy, together with Tim Hill (University of Bath) and Robin Canniford (University of Melbourne), investigate the social dynamics surrounding the spread of conspiracy beliefs. The project addresses critical problems, including why people believe in conspiracies and join conspiracy communities, and how conspiracy movements mobilise. The research enhanced public understanding by highlighting the social dynamics of conspiracy belief, thus challenging predominant explanation that conspiracy belief arises solely from faulty thinking or flawed personality traits.
Project outcomes so far
Project findings have benefited public understanding internationally, informing policy makers in curriculum and community outreach programmes led by Science Foundation Ireland. For SFI’s “Science Communities” programme, Professor Murphy created learning resources for secondary schools, community and youth organisations. Video presentations and learning resources prepared for SFI “Science Communities” programme were distributed to over 50 schools, 50 youth and community organisations and 150 programme participants. He also contributed to a report on digital disinformation for the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission. The research has been covered in media both nationally and internationally.