For your final research paper, you will unite many of the core tenets of this course to highlight the
applications and importance of critical thinking. You can approach this assignment by looking at
conspiracy theories, moral panics, denialism, or one of the other less critical modes of thinking we’ve
examined this semester.
This essay should be 6-8 pages in length and use at least 6 sources (at least two primary and two
scholarly, one of which should be peer-reviewed). You must include a works cited page but should not
include the annotations from your annotated bibliography.
Keep in mind:
• Often, the best way to comment on the general is through a close look at the specific. To illustrate the
perils of conspiratorial thinking and the need for strong critical thinking skills, you will likely need to
focus exclusively on one conspiracy theory.
• A good research paper does not depend on finding sources that have already made the same argument.
Instead, you should synthesize information from several sources (both primary and secondary) that
may, without the benefit of your insight, appear to others as unrelated to one another.
• This paper should draw on themes and knowledge we’ve accumulated over the semester. It may be
helpful to return to some of our earlier texts to refresh your understanding of logic (abductive,
inductive, and deductive), cognitive biases, and logical fallacies.
• There will be more information on your subject than will fit in the scope of one essay. Acknowledge
that your perspective will be one voice within the context of a larger conversation and impose
parameters on your paper to ensure that you maintain a single focused argument.
Some questions to get you started:
• What circumstances led to the rise of this conspiracy theory or instance of poor critical reasoning?
• What circumstances allowed it to thrive?
• Why does this particular mode of thinking appeal to its adherents? What does it offer socially,
personally, or politically?
• How can we identify specific instances of logical fallacies or cognitive biases at work in this
scenario?
• How might critical thinking challenge this kind of thinking?
Your essay should: comply with MLA specifications (including parenthetical citations), be formatted with
1” margins in 12 point Times New Roman, be double-spaced, have numbered pages with your last name
on the top right corner, and include your name, my name, the course and section numbers, and the due
date in the left-justified heading.