Preference for order linked to belief in conspiracy theories, study finds
Feb 27th 2026
New research led by Dr Neophytos Georgiou shows that a thinking style called systemising, which seeks patterns and rules, makes people more likely to accept conspiracy explanations and less likely to change their views, suggesting responses to misinformation should address how people process information rather than only supplying facts.
- A Flinders University study of more than 550 people found that a strong tendency to systemise predicts greater belief in conspiracy theories.
- People who systemise strongly can still show good scientific reasoning yet prefer explanations that provide clear patterns and rules.
- High systemising was associated with reduced willingness to update beliefs when presented with new evidence.
- Conspiracy theories can feel appealing because they offer an ordered, consistent narrative for confusing events.
- Researchers say misinformation interventions should consider cognitive style as well as factual corrections.