Conspiracy theories are verbal behavior that states some covert yet influential organization holds responsibility for a specific circumstance or event (e.g., the government collapsed the Twin Towers in the 9/11 attacks). Conspiracy theories have become mainstream, finding prominent adherents from politicians and news pundits to celebrities and bloggers. The conspiracy theory itself is not directly dangerous, but the advice or rule-governed behavior that proceeds can have pernicious effects. In autism treatment, the conspiracy theory that vaccines cause autism has penetrated parents and even some behavior analysts. In the following episode, we discuss the definition of conspiracy theories, provide examples in ABA, and how we can guard against them in our lives and deal with others who have them.

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Show Notes

Resources

Carl Sagan’s Baloney detection kit

https://www.skeptic.com/skepticism-101/baloney-detection-kit-sandwich-infographic/

https://www.openculture.com/2016/04/carl-sagan-presents-his-baloney-detection-kit-8-tools-for-skeptical-thinking.html

Nonsense on Stilts Book

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nonsense+on+stilts&gclid=Cj0KCQjwof6WBhD4ARIsAOi65aiDrkQY1Y3oCVwBCcC-B8ieBdbCJKsEZa4An0W3URwQ-XNwCWpDHbAaAoZjEALw_wcB&hvadid=241610844859&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9014901&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=11293396151803299053&hvtargid=kwd-329572054&hydadcr=22537_10354004&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_76g4xeqq7j_b