2.3.6. Blame Attribution
When socially negative events occur, the responsible targets to be blamed are often up for debate. Blame attribution is closely related to conspiracy theory belief structures. Clark [59] argues that conspiracy theories are a byproduct of a fundamental attribution error. Hart and Graether ([29], p. 230) explain that conspiracy worldviews provide consolation for individuals who have difficulty seeing reality through a more benevolent lens. For such individuals, the belief that someone is responsible for negative events may be preferable to concluding that the universe is cruel and unjust. Thus, conspiracy theories are associated with aspects of justice and responsibility, one of which is related to blame attribution.
In an empirical study, Crocker et al. [19] demonstrate that beliefs in conspiracy theories are related to blaming the problems of Black Americans on prejudice and discrimination. Moreover, this race effect is partially mediated by a measure of system blame but not by the greater externality of attributional style. Schulzke [60] shows that attributional uncertainty facilitates the assignment of blame to familiar enemies, which ultimately promotes conspiratorial thinking.
Hypothesis 11 (H11).   External blame attribution is positively related to beliefs in conspiracy theories.