Validation of the Conspiracy Mentality Scale in a colombian sample

Resumen

Conspiracy theories cause real harm to people, their health, physical safety and the environment, amplify and legitimize misinterpretations of phenomena such as pandemics, and reinforce stereotypes that can exacerbate violence and extremist ideologies. In this study, psychometrics properties of the Conspiracy Mentality Scale were examined in a sample of adults from the Colombian Caribbean (N = 698) to determine the validity and reliability of use. Likewise, it was sought to establish the levels of conspiratorial thinking of the evaluated population and the demographic groups that are more susceptible to adopting these beliefs. The results showed that the Spanish-speaking version of the scale presents good factorial validity, and the factorial structure coincides with the original version. No demographic differences were found in conspiratorial thinking or skepticism. The study findings represent a bridge to deepen the study of conspiratorial thinking in the region.