-Caveat Lector- http://www.dailytelegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml? xml=/news/2003/03/14/npsy214.xml&sSheet=/news/2003/03/14/ixnewstop.h tml Truth behind conspiracy theories By David Derbyshire (Filed: 14/03/2003)
Wild conspiracy theories are becoming more widespread because people are increasingly distant from government and corporations, an expert said yesterday. Dr Patrick Leman, a psychologist at Royal Holloway, University of London, said feelings of powerlessness boosted the desire to search for complicated answers. If the events were dramatic enough, such as the sudden death of Diana, Princess of Wales, people were more likely to look for hidden explanations, he told the conference in Bournemouth. "In America there is evidence that people are becoming more likely to believe in conspiracy theories," he said. The internet might be one of the driving forces behind the trend because it allowed conspiracy theorists to share their beliefs, he said. In an experiment, Dr Leman tested how people grasp for conspiracies when presented with different scenarios. He asked 64 volunteers to read one of four fake newspaper reports about an attempt on the life of a president. In one scenario, a gunman shot and killed the president, in another he shot but missed. In a third he injured the president but did not kill him, while in a fourth he missed but the president died of a heart attack. In the accounts where the president died, the volunteers were more likely to suspect a conspiracy than in those where he survived. Related reports Lonely heart ladies WLTM rich gents External links Patrick Leman - Royal Holloway, University of London © Copyright of Telegraph Group Limited 2003. Forwarded for your information. The text and intent of the article have to stand on their own merits. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without charge or profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this type of information for non-profit research and educational purposes only. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe simply because it has been handed down for many genera- tions. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumoured by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is written in Holy Scriptures. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of teachers, elders or wise men. Believe only after careful observation and analysis, when you find that it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all. Then accept it and live up to it." The Buddha on Belief, from the Kalama Sutra <A HREF="http://www.ctrl.org/";>www.ctrl.org</A> DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion & informational exchange list. Proselytizing propagandic screeds are unwelcomed. Substance—not soap-boxing—please! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory'—with its many half-truths, mis- directions and outright frauds—is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRLgives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html <A HREF="http://peach.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ctrl.html";>Archives of [EMAIL PROTECTED]</A> http://archive.jab.org/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ <A HREF="http://archive.jab.org/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/">ctrl</A> ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
