Personality types and belief in conspiracy theories: A correlational study
Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: There is little consensus on the relationship between the Big Five personality types and belief in conspiracy theories. Although there is reason to believe the personality types of Agreeableness, Openness and Conscientiousness can predict such beliefs, reported results are inconsistent. This study aimed to further explore the relationship between these personality types and belief in conspiracy theories. A convenience sample of 120 participants, ages 18-71, 60 male and 60 female, (M=26.17, SD=10.08), completed an online survey which employed the Ten-Item Personality Index (TIPI) and the Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire (CMQ). Multiple regression analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Software. Results showed an overall model strength of 6.2% (r2 =.062, F(3, 116) = 3.617, p < .05). Agreeableness was shown to be a significant negative predictor of belief in conspiracy theories. No significant results were found for Openness or Conscientiousness. The implications, strengths and limitations of the present study were outlined. Results were discussed in relation to previous research suggesting that conspiracy belief may be predicted by an interaction of factors both situational and dispositional. Future studies may benefit from an examination of the impact of the interaction of previously validated predictors, including domain and facet level personality traits, on conspiracy beliefs.
Source: Figshare
Author: Jake Richardson (12458643)
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7014431243