Predictive degree of attitudes toward research in pseudoscientific beliefs among Peruvian university students

Estrada G.D.C.; Florez M.A.C. · Acta Psychologica (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.106971

Resumen

Introduction: Pseudosciences are defined as beliefs or practices that claim to be scientific but lack scientific validity. Identifying the predictors that contribute to belief in pseudoscience is crucial. Objective: This study aims to determine the predictive strength of attitudes toward research in relation to belief in pseudoscience among university students. Method: A sample of 3125 university students was selected using non-random convenience sampling. These students were assessed using the Research Attitudes Scale (ATRS) and the Pseudoscientific Beliefs Test (PSEUDO-R). Ordinary least squares (OLS) and robust linear regression (RLM) were applied to evaluate predictive power. Results: Both statistical models were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The RLM model performed best, with a pseudo-R2 of 0.2398, indicating that attitudes toward research explain 23.98% of the variance in pseudoscientific beliefs. Furthermore, the predictive capacity of the dimensions of attitudes toward research on pseudoscientific beliefs was determined; therefore, an RLM model was applied, which proved statistically significant (p < 0.05) with a pseudo-R2 of 0.4335. Discussion: The findings show that attitudes toward research predict the emergence of pseudoscientific beliefs. This opens possibilities for future studies involving multiple regression models.

Instituciones: Universidad Andina del Cusco