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

Jolley, D., Douglas, K. M., Skipper, Y. , Thomas, E. and Cookson, D. (2021) Measuring adolescents’ beliefs in conspiracy theories: development and validation of the Adolescent Conspiracy Beliefs Questionnaire (ACBQ). British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 39(3), pp. 499-520. (doi: 10.1111/bjdp.12368) (PMID:33556990)

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–retest 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: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the British Academy [Grant Number: SRG18R1\180086].
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Skipper, Dr Yvonne

Creator Roles

Skipper, Y.: Conceptualization, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Resources, Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Jolley, D., Douglas, K. M., Skipper, Y., Thomas, E., and Cookson, D.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > People, Place & Social Change
• Journal Name: British Journal of Developmental Psychology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0261-510X
• ISSN (Online): 2044-835X
• Published Online: 08 February 2021
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 The Authors
• First Published: First published in British Journal of Developmental Psychology 39(3): 499-520
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License