critical appraisal
Definition
Critical appraisal refers to the ability to selectively evaluate and reason about conspiracy theories by distinguishing between plausible and implausible claims rather than uniformly rejecting all conspiratorial thinking. This concept encompasses the capacity to assess both evidence-based and unfounded conspiracy narratives with discernment, avoiding the pitfall of blind scepticism that indiscriminately dismisses all conspiracy-related information. Teaching and measuring critical appraisal as an outcome is essential, as interventions designed to reduce conspiracy belief may inadvertently impair participants' ability to critically reason about plausible conspiracy theories while reducing belief in implausible ones.
Sources: O’Mahony et al. (2024)
Related Terms
Applications
Critical Appraisal and Inoculation Interventions
Inoculation-based interventions reduced susceptibility to novel implausible conspiracy theories but did not improve critical appraisal of novel plausible conspiracy theories, potentially increasing blind scepticism toward plausible theories. The Discernment intervention significantly improved critical appraisal of both plausible and implausible conspiracy theories.
Sources: O’Mahony et al. (2024)
Critical Appraisal and Epistemically Unwarranted Beliefs
Inoculation-based interventions demonstrated effects at reducing epistemically unwarranted beliefs, though this reduction in unfounded beliefs did not necessarily translate to improved critical appraisal of plausible conspiracy theories.
Sources: O’Mahony et al. (2024)
