There is a large body of research around this phenomenon. I think looking up "conspiratorial thinking" will get you started in the right direction. A major part

There is a large body of research around this phenomenon. I think looking up "conspiratorial thinking" will get you started in the right direction. A major part of the "scientific skepticism" community is studying this kind of thinking, and trying to discover how to treat or prevent people from falling into that kind of trap.