Belief in conspiracy theories in Turkey: A quantitative approach

This study examines the relationship between belief in conspiracy theories, trust in state institutions, trust in science and populist attitudes. The aim of the study is to understand and reveal the relationship between these variables and thus contribute to the literature. This study is based on the data of the Turkey Trust Research. In this framework, cross-sectional data were collected and analyzed. As a result of the analysis, two dimensions of conspiracy theories stand out for the Turkish context: Global and National Conspiracy Theories. According to the linear regression model for both dimensions; trust in science has a negative relationship with both dimensions. On the other hand, trust in state institutions has a positive relationship with national conspiracy theories. Finally, those who believe in global conspiracy theories tend to have populist attitudes.