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Conspiracy Theories

Contains tips and resources for researching belief in conspiracy theories. Also contains resources for evaluating information to sort fact from conspiracy.

Getting Started

Conspiracy Theory (noun)

  1. A theory that explains an event as being the result of a plot by a covert group or organization; a belief that a particular unexplained event was caused by such a group.
  2. The idea that many important political events or economic and social trends are the products of secret plots that are largely unknown to the general public. 

(Source: Dictionary.com)

Conspiracy theories have always been with us, but widespread access to the internet and social media has made it easier for conspiracy theories to spread. This guide can help you get started on research in various conspiracy theories to find out how they started and what makes them popular. It can help you avoid and debunk conspiracy theories as they pop up in your life. 

Research Tips

  • Question the credibility of everything
  • Verify information using multiple sources

Databases

The following databases are your best bets for finding articles about why people believe in different conspiracy theories. 

OneSearch & ProQuest

Search tabs from Library homepage. Left: OneSearch. Right: ProQuestOneSearch and ProQuest are the Fulton Library's main databases. They allow you to search the library's articles, books, streaming media, and more. OneSearch and ProQuest include resources on almost every topic, making it a great place to start your research!

To use either of these databases, go to the UVU Fulton Library Homepage link below. Use the tabs in the search box to navigate between OneSearch and ProQuest. Enter search terms into the box, then hit enter or click the magnifying glass. 

We recommend using both databases because, while there is some overlap between the two, each database features a lot of unique content.

Finding Books

Screenshot of the books tab on the library's homepage.This list is only a starting point of commonly used books in this area, not a complete list of library books on the subject. To find other books on this subject, use the search box on the library's homepage. To find other books on this subject, use the search box on the library's homepage. The search box defaults to OneSearch. To look for books, toggle over to Books. This will limit your search to books and ebooks.

Ask Your Librarian

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Annie Smith
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FL410, Fulton Library
801.863.8752

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