Research Guides: WRTR 1313: Conspiracy Theories: Overview

Recommendations for Background Information

Library Search
Search for "conspiracy theories," the name of your conspiracy, or other broad concepts. Limit your results to a resource type of "Reference Entries."

Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories in American History
Insights into why people are so ready to believe the worst about our political, legal, religious, and financial institutions
Routledge Handbook of Conspiracy Theories
Overview of conspiracy theories as a social, cultural and political phenomenon

Library Search
Limit to books or articles from peer-reviewed journals. Try hoaxes OR "conspiracy theories" OR conspiracies as a subject.
Research Guides
These research guides are the best place to start your research in any discipline. Find relevant databases, general tips about the research process, and citation help.

Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
A scholarly, multidisciplinary database
SocINDEX with Full Text This link opens in a new window
This might be good for understanding the relationship between hoaxes, etc. and society.
America : History & Life (EBSCO) This link opens in a new window
This might be good for historical perspectives or if you hoax occurred in the past in the U.S.
APA PsycINFO This link opens in a new window
Psychology articles might be good for explaining why individuals believe hoaxes/conspiracies.

Citation Help
Search for Articles
Tips for finding articles in Library Search, in disciplinary databases, and online
Search for Books
Tips for finding books in Library Search and in other libraries
Library Search Help
Information on the best way to use Library Search to find articles, books, films, and journals.
RefWorks
RefWorks is an easy tool that helps you gather citations from library databases and then creates in-text citations and works cited directly in your paper. The Google Docs add on is the easiest to use. This guide links you to RefWorks and teaches you how to use it.

From developing a solid thesis, to finding the right information, to evaluating and putting it all together, librarians can help.

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