Via Charlie Loyd’s newsletter: a study that suggests the key thing about conspiracy theories is the belief that a conspiracy exists – not the content.  The more people believe that Princess Diana faked her own death, the more they also believe she was murdered. The more people believe that bin Laden was already dead when Seal Team Six arrived at his compound, the more they believe he’s still alive. 

http://www.academia.edu/1207098/Dead_and_alive_Beliefs_in_contradictory_conspiracy_theories