Wake up Sheeple!: Personality traits and belief in pseudoscience

Abstract

Differentiating between truth and falsehoods can be challenging due to the prevalence of false information widely spread through social media and various technological platforms.

Understanding who is most susceptible to belief in false information may play an important role in devising strategies to help people become better consumers of information. The objective of this study is to investigate the correlation between personality traits and the propensity to adopt pseudoscientific beliefs. Previous research suggests that conscientious individuals are better at detecting online misinformation, while dark triad traits are associated with selfishness and conspiracy ideation. Our research further explores the relationship between personality traits and susceptibility to misinformation, with a focus on belief in different types of pseudoscience. We hypothesize that different categories of pseudoscientific beliefs may have a connection with self-interest, which could be moderated by dark or light triad personality traits. The results of this study will be used as the basis for future research to formulate successful tactics to counteract the dissemination of false information.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rodney Schmaltz