Measuring adolescents' beliefs in conspiracy theories: Development and validation of the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ)

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Jolley, D., Douglas, K., Skipper, Y., Thomas, E. and Cookson, D. ORCID: 0000-0002-5450-0727, 2021. Measuring adolescents' beliefs in conspiracy theories: Development and validation of the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ). British Journal of Developmental Psychology. ISSN 0261-510X (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

Four studies (total n = 961) developed and validated the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ). Initial items were developed in collaboration with teachers. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (Study 1, n = 208, aged 11-14) and a student focus group (N = 3, aged 11) enabled us to establish the factor structure of a 9-item scale. This was replicated via Confirmatory Factor Analysis in Study 2 (N = 178, aged 11-17), and the scale displayed good convergent (i.e., relationship with paranoia and mistrust) and discriminant validity (i.e., no relationship with extraversion). Study 3a (N = 257) further tested convergent validity with a sample of 18-year olds (i.e., relationship with adult-validated measures of conspiracy beliefs), and demonstrated strong test re-test reliability. Study 3b (N = 318) replicated these findings with a mixed-age adult sample. The ACBQ will allow researchers to explore the psychological antecedents and consequences of conspiracy thinking in young populations.

Item Type:

Journal article

Alternative Title:

Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire

Publication Title:

British Journal of Developmental Psychology

Creators:

Jolley, D., Douglas, K., Skipper, Y., Thomas, E. and Cookson, D.

Publisher:

Wiley

Date:

18 January 2021