How Epistemic Beliefs about Climate Change Predict Climate Change Conspiracy Beliefs.

ABSTRACT: Belief in climate change conspiracy theories (CCCT) can undermine support for measures against climate change. In two studies, we therefore aim to gain a clearer understanding of the factors that contribute to CCCT. A significant factor associated with CCCT is distrust in science, which is also correlated with epistemic beliefs (EBs) (e.g., beliefs are about the nature of knowledge and the process of knowing). EBs influence how individuals respond to knowledge claims, address contradictory evidence, and integrate new information. We hypothesize that EBs are linked to belief in CCCT via distrust in science. To test this hypothesis, we conducted one correlational study and one experimental study (n = 404 and n = 104, both pre-registered). Study 1 found that participants were mo

SUBMITTER: Noth L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12035771 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature