The need for cognitive closure and belief in conspiracy theories: An exploration of the role of religious fundamentalism in cognition

A.N. Umam, H. Muluk, M.N. Milla

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Latest research shows that belief in conspiracy theories as an ideological trait is manifested in both the Need For Closure (NFC) and religious fundamentalism. There are some indications that the need for closure and religious fundamentalism interact in predicting certain ideological traits. This research aims to explore the interaction between NFC and fundamentalism in predicting one’s belief in conspiracy theories. By gathering data from 211 participants, the results show that NFC can predict the extent of people’s belief in conspiracy theory but only in control of information conspiracy theme, a conspiracy notion that says there is a scheme to conceal important information from public. There is no interaction between NFC and fundamentalism in predicting belief in conspiracy theories. The findings of this research theoretically contribute to the role of NFC in the manifestation of cognitive traits.


Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDiversity in Unity: Perspectives from Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the Asia-Pacific Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, Depok, Indonesia, November 7-9, 2016: Topics in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
PublisherRoutledge
Pages629-637
ISBN (Electronic)9781315225302
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 31 Oct 2017

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