by: Matt Jaworowski
WASHINGTON (WOOD) — A new survey by The Pew Research Center explored which Americans believe a conspiracy theory about COVID-19 found notable differences along education and political lines.
Pew released the study in June and it's again making the rounds on social media, as part of Pew’s American News Pathways Project focusing on the public’s perception of news media and information.
The survey narrowed in on one theory that “powerful people” planned the pandemic. Pew surveyed 9,654 Americans. In total, 71% of them had heard of the theory. Of those surveyed, 5% of people believed it was definitely true and 20% believed it was probably true.
Pew data showed 48% of those surveyed who stopped schooling after high school or never got their diploma believed the theory was definitely or probably true. Among people who took some college courses, that number dropped to 38%. Only 24% of respondents with a bachelor’s degree believed the theory and just 15% of people with post-graduate degrees.
Study results also found conservatives were more likely to believe the theory than liberals.
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