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)

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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–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

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