A belief that a secret group is responsible for events — with evidence that's absent, unfalsifiable, or selectively used.

• A. Conspiratorial Thinking
• B. Conspiracy Theory
• C. Narrative
• D. Watchdog Journalism

Answer: (B)

The main concept being tested is conspiracy theory: a belief that events are caused by a secret, powerful group, and that the supporting evidence is missing, unfalsifiable, or selectively used. This description fits best because it highlights two key features: the hidden actor behind events and the problematic evidence pattern—no solid proof, claims that can’t be disproven, and data that’s cherry-picked to fit the narrative. In media literacy, recognizing this helps you evaluate claims by checking whether the evidence is verifiable, whether multiple credible sources support it, and whether alternative explanations have been considered.

Conspiratorial thinking is a broader mindset—liking to suspect hidden plots in general—rather than a specific claim about a particular event. A narrative is just a story framework, not necessarily about secret groups or dubious evidence. Watchdog journalism is about investigating and reporting with credible evidence to hold power accountable, so it stands opposed to unfounded secrecy.