A need for "cognitive closure" leads to many people believing in conspiracy theories, according to a new study.

Research by Dr Karen Douglas of the University of Kent, which is being presented at this week's British Psychological Society's Social Psychology Section conference in Canterbury, examined the extent to which 250 people agreed with theories for the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 earlier this year.

Scientists expected that factors such as mistrust, powerlessness and paranoia could influence whether or not individuals believe in conspiracy theories.

However, they also discovered that "the need for cognitive closure and belief in an unjust world" can also play a part if no official explanation exists.

In addition, they found that those who believe in MH370 conspiracy theories also agree with alternative explanations for other notorious events, such as the death of Princess Diana and the 9/11 attacks.

Dr Douglas said this means the psychological predictors of conspiracy beliefs "may be the same whether an official explanation has been established or not".

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