Neurobiological Approach to Understanding Conspiracy Theory Origins

Pictured L-R: Doctor White, Optimist President Alaina Reeves, and Ron Weier

Optimist Doctor Jeff White spoke to our Club about vaccines and the best time to get them. He explained that while vaccines will not keep you from getting a virus, they will lessen the severity.

Then Doctor White shared some research he has done on neurobiological approach to understanding conspiracy theory origins. In one study, functional brain MRI findings of liberals vs conservatives showed increased blood flow in different areas of the brain. Each subject was shown a violent image. In some subjects the blood flow increased in the amygdala and in others the blood flow increased in the frontal lobe. Another study used resting EEG activity to study conspiracy theorists vs non conspiracy theorists. Doctor White is interested in using biology to explain human tendencies.