Date of Award
5-2025
Degree Type
Report
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
English
Committee Chair(s)
Lynne S. McNeill (committee chair)
Committee
Lynne S. McNeill
Committee
Jeannie B. Thomas
Committee
Claudia Schwabe
Abstract
In this thesis I examined how the 2010 children’s television show Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated both utilizes and critiques conspiracy, embedded within its mystery-solving structure. Through a close analysis of the members of the gang—Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby-Doo—I broke down their individual behaviors, interactions, and contributions to conspiratorial belief. I then transitioned into a case study of the episode “Where Stalks the Scarebear,” showcasing its connection to larger real-world conspiracy narratives, particularly those related to corporate and environmental cover-ups. Finally, I examined the show as a complete narrative, reflecting on its complex, serial exploration of conspiracy through the framework of Ryan Neville-Shepard and Amy Whiteside’s six-part structural breakdown of conspiracy theories in children’s television, alongside Aiden Tait’s observations on the historical and Lovecraftian horror influences embedded within the plot.
Recommended Citation
Brooks, Sydney K., "“Gang, We Have a Mystery on our Hands!”: A Folkloristic Approach to Conspiracy Thinking in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated" (2025). All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present. 80.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports2023/80
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