Zhao‐Xie Zeng’s research while affiliated with Nanjing Normal University and other places

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Publications (1)

Mediation analysis (Study 1). N = 300. Values are B(SE). ***p < .001.
Mediation analysis (Study 2). N = 160. Values are B(SE). a0 = low economic inequality and 1 = high economic inequality. To maintain consistency with the logic of Study 1, we transformed scores of moral evaluations in the data analysis (i.e., higher scores indicated more positive moral evaluation of the economically advantaged group). ***p < .001.
Mediation analysis (Study 3). N = 191. Values are B(SE). a0 = low economic inequality and 1 = high economic inequality. To maintain consistency with the logic of Study 1 and Study 2, we transformed scores of moral evaluations in the data analysis (i.e., higher scores indicated more positive moral evaluation of the economically advantaged group). ***p < .001.
Parallel multiple mediation analysis (Study 4). N = 210. Values are B(SE). a0 = low economic inequality and 1 = high economic inequality. To maintain consistency with the logic of Study 1–3, we transformed scores of moral evaluations in the data analysis (i.e., higher scores indicated more positive moral evaluation of the economically advantaged group). **p < .01; ***p < .001. UCT, upward conspiracy theory.
Parallel multiple mediation analysis (Study 4). N = 210. Values are B(SE). a0 = low economic inequality and 1 = high economic inequality. To maintain consistency with the logic of Study 1–3, we transformed scores of moral evaluations in the data analysis (i.e., higher scores indicated more positive moral evaluation of the economically advantaged group). *p < .05; **p < .01; ***p < .001. DCT, downward conspiracy theory.
How does economic inequality shape conspiracy theories? Empirical evidence from China
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October 2023

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3 Citations

Zhao‐Xie Zeng

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Yong‐Yu Guo

Conspiracy theories tend to be prevalent, particularly in societies with high economic inequality. However, few studies have examined the relationship between economic inequality and belief in conspiracy theories. We propose that economic inequality leads people to believe conspiracy theories about economically advantaged groups (i.e., upwards conspiracy theories) and that moral evaluations of those groups mediate this relationship. Study 1 (N = 300) found support for these ideas in a survey among Chinese residents. Study 2 (N = 160) manipulated participants' perceptions of economic inequality in a virtual society. The manipulation shaped moral evaluations of economically advantaged groups, and conspiracy beliefs, in the predicted manner. In Study 3 (N = 191) and Study 4 (N = 210), we experimentally manipulated participants' perceptions of economic inequality in real Chinese society and replicated the results of Study 2. In addition, in Study 4, we find that economic inequality predicts belief in conspiracy theories about economically disadvantaged groups (i.e., downward conspiracy theories), which was mediated by anomie. We conclude that perceived economic inequality predicts conspiracy theories about economically advantaged groups and that moral evaluations account for this effect. Also, upward and downward conspiracy theory beliefs are associated with different psychological processes.

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