Irrational Beliefs and Support for Pseudoscience: The Role of Need for Cognition

Abstract

Science denial, support for pseudoscience, and overall irrationality about the world are prominent social issues. This research examines whether the prevalence of these social issues is affected by the need for cognition personality trait. It was hypothesized that need for cognition is negatively correlated with irrational beliefs and support for pseudoscience and science denial, and that irrational beliefs and support for pseudoscience and science denial are positively correlated. Results indicated that individuals high in need for cognition were less likely to hold irrational beliefs, and less likely to support pseudoscience and science denial positions. However, no relationship was found to exist between irrational beliefs and support for pseudoscience and science denial. These findings suggest that additional personality traits other than need for cognition may be influencing whether individuals adopt irrational, pseudoscientific, or science denial positions.