Elaboration likelihood model: Central Route and Peripheral Route to Persuasion.
The elaboration likelihood model is a theory that contains two routes to persuasion; a central and a peripheral route. * The central route of being persuaded includes “logical argument” and attention from your part. However, the peripheral route is more like a commercial where there is more of an emotional appeal: you don’t have time “to think about the message” (A.King 384) * Referring back to the Bermuda Triangle if you were being persuaded and believed in this pseudoscience, then it was probably done by the peripheral route.
Nevertheless, with the central route of persuasion you would think more about the scientific explanations and and also “pay more attention to the facts”; therefore not believing in this pseudoscience.
References
King, L. K. (2010). Experience Psychology. (1st ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is to search for information that confirms ones beliefs. You accept information that supports your ideas and dismiss those that don’t. In the case of The Bermuda Triangle, those who believe in it will look for and agree with the theories that only confirm its existence. However, with those who don’t believe in this pseudoscience will only accept a reliable theory that gives logical explanation.
References
King, L. K. (2010). Experience Psychology. (1st ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory- “I Don't Believe It!”
Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person has two conflicting beliefs, which causes a feeling of distress. The behavior can conflict with their belief or vice versa. This “psychological discomfort” happens when we receive new information that clashes with what we originally believed in. * For example, those who believed the Bermuda Triangle existed can go through cognitive dissonance when given compelling explanation saying otherwise.
References
King, L. K. (2010). Experience Psychology. (1st ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Critical Thinking
Scientists are engaging in critical thinking when giving correct information on why the Bermuda Triangle is not real and what causes theses disappearances. They evaluate evidence and facts, think rationally, as well as support their decisions by evidence. They dismiss fake theories and offer reliable explanation on why these disappearances occur.
References
King, L. K. (2010). Experience Psychology. (1st ed.). New York: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Sociocultural Approach
This theory emphasizes on how society and