Believing Pseudoscience

What does message framing have to do with it?

Abstract

Regulatory focus theory (RFT) explores goal-directed behaviour by analyzing consumer preference for potential gains or losses. In this study, we explored the relationship between RFT and belief in pseudoscience. Measures include the Regulatory Focus Questionnaire, the Inventory of Epistemically Unwarranted Beliefs, and the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (N=204). Our findings revealed no relationship between RFT and pseudoscience beliefs. General belief in pseudoscience will be discussed, as well as future directions.

Faculty Mentor: Rodney Schmaltz

Department: Psychology (Honours)