Short introduction to this modul Conspiracy theories, prevalent worldwide and across various domains, span from political controversies to scientific claims, often straddling the line between widely accepted and fringe beliefs. They can be challenging to verify, potentially leading to serious consequences when acted upon without factual basis, as seen in the case of the 2020 US election and the subsequent attack on the US Capitol. To navigate this complex landscape, it is imperative to critically analyze such theories and rely on credible sources of information. This module aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to comprehend and address the multifaceted nature of conspiracy theories through various training activities. Below you will find a list of training activities you can implement with your class/young people with the purpose of gaining knowledge and abilities dealing with various aspects related to conspiracy theories. |
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What is a conspiracy theory?
The information bubble
Why do we believe in conspiracy theories?
Fact checking
What is critical thinking?
How to escape the rabbit hole?
Activity 2 - How do we view the World - Understanding your own worldview
By knowing about different worldviews the learner might be able to identify their own worldview, but they might also be able to make assumptiopns about the worldview of other people based on their attitudes and statements about the world.
Description
Reflect on how you view the world - and how you definitely DON’T view it.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this activity, learners will achieve the following learning outcomes in terms of:
- Learners will have knowledge of different ways of viewing the world, and how an ideology can change the way you understand the world around us.
- Ability to discern where you “belong” and what worldview you don’t subscribe to and why.
- Reflect on your attitude towards the world seen as part of a “bigger picture” view - and be able to analyse other people's worldviews based on their attitudes.
Materials needed for implementation
For each group is needed:
- The WorldView printout cards (Presented on the projector screen).
Time required
20 min.
Minimum / Maximum group size
Individual
Level
Beginner (no prior knowledge required)
Introduction
The trainer presents the worldviews one by one and together with the class tries to come up with some examples of an attitude that would match the different worldviews.
The group has 5 minutes to ask clarifying questions and then 5 minutes to reflect upon where they see the best fit to their own attitudes.
There is no correct way of viewing the world and most people are likely to feel affiliated with more than one worldview.
The group has 5 minutes to ask clarifying questions and then 5 minutes to reflect upon where they see the best fit to their own attitudes.
There is no correct way of viewing the world and most people are likely to feel affiliated with more than one worldview.
Activity description
1. In the handout “Worldviews” look at the different types of ways to see the world and reflect on the ones that you can identify with the most, but also the ones that you don't identify at all.
10 minutes.
2. The group has 5 minutes to ask clarifying questions. and 5 minutes to reflect on where they belong in silence.
10 minutes.
10 minutes.
2. The group has 5 minutes to ask clarifying questions. and 5 minutes to reflect on where they belong in silence.
10 minutes.
Debriefing
Reflective questions are always a good idea for a debriefing.
Q: Did you find a worldview that fits your attitudes?
Q: Try to list the worldviews in your mind on a scale from "this seems completely logical" to "this is obviously a crazy way to view the world".
Q: Did you find a worldview that fits your attitudes?
Q: Try to list the worldviews in your mind on a scale from "this seems completely logical" to "this is obviously a crazy way to view the world".
Adaptation to online mode
This exercise can easily be done in an online setting and can be done with group presentation and discussions.
Further resources
No further resources needed.
References
The WorldView cards were created by asking ChatGPT to make a list of common worldviews/ideologies.
Handouts
