Open AccessDevelopment of the Japanese Version of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS‐J)
Author(s) -
Majima Yoshimasa,
Nakamura Hiroko
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
japanese psychological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.392
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1468-5884
pISSN - 0021-5368
DOI - 10.1111/jpr.12267
Subject(s) - psychology , discriminant validity , paranormal , convergent validity , exploratory factor analysis , confirmatory factor analysis , construct validity , scale (ratio) , ideation , reliability (semiconductor) , social psychology , developmental psychology , structural equation modeling , psychometrics , statistics , mathematics , internal consistency , medicine , power (physics) , physics , alternative medicine , cognitive science , pathology , quantum mechanics
Generic conspiracist belief refers to the general tendency toward conspiracist ideation independent of specific event‐based conspiracy theories. The present research aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS‐J). In two studies, we examined the factor structure, reliability, and convergent and discriminant validity of the GCBS‐J. In Study 1 ( N = 600), exploratory factor analysis with a split‐half subsample proposed a two‐factor solution dissociating extraterrestrial conspiracy from other conspiracist ideations. Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis with the other split‐half subsample confirmed the two‐factor structure. Study 1 also established convergent validity by indicating strong positive correlations with other measures of conspiracist belief. Study 2 ( N = 178) added further evidence to indicate a positive correlation with related psychological constructs, such as paranormal beliefs. Study 2 also confirmed temporal test–retest reliability and the discriminant validity of the GCBS‐J by indicating no association with an unrelated construct, namely Big‐Five personality traits. These findings suggest that the GCBS‐J is a useful tool for assessing generic conspiracist beliefs within Japanese samples.