Resources for Studying and Teaching the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol Insurrection

Booklet (PDF) created by Michael Shermer and Pat Linse, the founders of Skeptic magazine, explaining the basics of conspiracy theories. What is a conspiracy theory, why do people believe in them, and why do they tend to proliferate? Why does belief in one conspiracy correlate to belief in others? What are the triggers of belief, and how does group identity factor into it? How can one tell the difference between a true conspiracy and a false one?

A UChicago political science professor explains how the same force that drives conspiracy theories is intensifying political polarization in our country.

Psychologists’ research offers insight into why people put faith in conspiracy theories such as QAnon.

This journal article examines the link between societal crisis situations and belief in conspiracy theories. Contrary to common assumptions, belief in conspiracy theories has been prevalent throughout human history. We first illustrate historical incidents suggesting that societal crisis situations—defined as impactful and rapid societal change that calls established power structures, norms of conduct, or even the existence of specific people or groups into question—have stimulated belief in conspiracy theories. We then review the psychological literature to explain why this is the case.

Americans are embracing dangerous conspiratorial beliefs, from QAnon to coronavirus denial.

Voice of America article that gives a good introduction to QAnon and how it became popularized.

Video (appx. 55 mins). How trafficking in conspiracy theories went from the fringes of U.S. politics into the White House. FRONTLINE examines the alliance of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, Trump advisor Roger Stone, and the president, and their role in the battle over truth and lies.