Exploring the effectiveness of virtual reality in combating misinformation on climate change ↗
Erisen, E., Yildirim, F., Duran, E., Sar, B., & Kalkan, I.
Research
My research focuses on political psychology, particularly how conspiracy theory beliefs relate to political attitudes and trust. I examine these relationships across social media environments and national contexts, including their connections to attitudes toward foreign countries and immigrants.
I also study political leaders’ beliefs and foreign policy preferences through operational code analysis, with a focus on Turkish foreign policy.
Doctoral Research
Politics, Faith and Social Media: A Multi-Method Study on Conspiracy Theory Beliefs
Ph.D. dissertation, Yeditepe University, 2025.
Advisor: Professor Cengiz Erişen.
Selected Publications
Conspiracy Mindset and Anti-Americanism: The Turkish Case ↗
Erisen, C., & Sar, B.
Turkish Foreign Policy in Its Centenary: The 102 Years of Experience
Edited by V. İpek, E. İ. Akarçay, and H. B. Şar.
Abe Doktrini: Devamlılık mı Ayrılma mı?
The Abe Doctrine: Continuation or Deviation?
In Asya Pasifik Çalışmalarında Yeni Ufuklar (New Horizons in Asia Pacific Studies), pp. 87–113.
Current Work
My ongoing collaborations examine social media use and doomscrolling, the relationship between trust and conspiracy beliefs, and political leaders’ emotions.
For the complete publication list and manuscript details, please see my CV.
Research Projects
The Rising Tide of Conspiracy Theories in a Social Media Environment
A collaborative project examining conspiracy theory beliefs in social media environments.
Project coordinator: Professor Cengiz Erişen, Yeditepe University.
Leaders and Foreign Policy in Türkiye: The Operational Code Analysis Approach
A collaborative project examining political leaders’ beliefs and foreign policy preferences through operational code analysis.
Project coordinator: Associate Professor Gizem Çakmak, Yeditepe University.
ClimateVR: Unmasking Misinformation
This project explored the use of virtual reality to counter climate change misinformation.
Project coordinator: Professor Elif Erişen, Yeditepe University.
For further details on my research and academic activities, please see my CV.
Selected Conference Presentations
Social Media Use, Doomscrolling, and Conspiracy Theories Beliefs across Distinct Platforms: Effects on Social Media Engagement
With Cengiz Erişen and Sinan Alper.
Emotions of Leaders in Social Debate — Mexca Analysis: “Mevzular Açık Mikrofon”
With Emirhan Duran.
The Role of Leaders in Turkish Foreign Policy During the Cyprus Crises of 1964 and 1974: An Operational Code Analysis
With Mustafa Furkan Durmaz.