| Popis: |
Epistemic individualism has recently been considered as a potential explanation for critical thinking and conspiracy theories. We propose in this paper to resolve this paradox. In three studies (N = 1952), we investigate the constituents of epistemic individualism, build a scale, and examine how it explains belief in conspiracy theories. The last study also includes critical thinking dispositions and the appeal to authority. Overall, the final version of Epistemic Individual Scale (EIS) shows good reliability, and generally correlates positively with conspiracy theories. Critical thinking dispositions predicted partially epistemic individualism, but were not correlated to conspiracist mentality. Results are discussed in terms of educational applications and further investigation of the validity of the EIS. |
