Predictive degree of attitudes toward research in pseudoscientific beliefs among Peruvian university students

Bibliographic Data

ID21284199
AuthorsGareth Del Castillo Estrada (0000-0001-8108-3802, Universidad Andina del Cusco, corresponding author), Mauricio Alejandro Camacho Florez (0000-0002-9515-9537, Universidad Andina del Cusco)
Year2026
Volume266
Pages106971
Publication date2026-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueActa Psychologica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0001-6918 • E-ISSN: 1873-6297
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.106971
PMID42066535
OpenAlexW7159783668
LanguageEN
References cited18

Introduction Pseudosciences are defined as beliefs or practices that claim to be scientific but lack scientific validity. Identifying the predictors that contribute to belief in pseudoscience is crucial. Objective This study aims to determine the predictive strength of attitudes toward research in relation to belief in pseudoscience among university students. Method A sample of 3125 university students was selected using non-random convenience sampling. These students were assessed using the Research Attitudes Scale (ATRS) and the Pseudoscientific Beliefs Test (PSEUDO-R). Ordinary least squares (OLS) and robust linear regression (RLM) were applied to evaluate predictive power. Results Both statistical models were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). The RLM model performed best, with a pseudo-R 2 of 0.2398, indicating that attitudes toward research explain 23.98% of the variance in pseudoscientific beliefs. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of the dimensions of attitudes toward research on pseudoscientific beliefs was determined; therefore, an RLM model was applied, which proved statistically significant ( p < 0.05) with a pseudo-R 2 of 0.4335. Discussion The findings show that attitudes toward research predict the emergence of pseudoscientific beliefs. This opens possibilities for future studies involving multiple regression models

Paranormal · Predictive value · Pseudoscience · Regression analysis · Sample (material) · Scale (ratio) · Survey research · Test (biology) · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Educational Strategies and Epistemologies · Paranormal Experiences and Beliefs

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access