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Validity testing of the conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiment scales during the COVID-19 pandemic across 24 languages from a large-scale global dataset

Han, Hyemin; M. Blackburn, Angélique; Jeftić, Alma; Phuong Tran, Thao; Stöckli, Sabrina; Reifler, Jason; Vestergren, Sara

Validity testing of the conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiment scales during the COVID-19 pandemic across 24 languages from a large-scale global dataset Thumbnail


Authors

Hyemin Han

Angélique M. Blackburn

Alma Jeftić

Thao Phuong Tran

Sabrina Stöckli

Jason Reifler



Abstract

In this study, we tested the validity across two scales addressing conspiratorial thinking that may influence behaviors related to public health and the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the COVIDiSTRESSII Global Survey data from 12,261 participants, we validated the 4-item Conspiratorial Thinking Scale and 3-item Anti-Expert Sentiment Scale across 24 languages and dialects that were used by at least 100 participants per language. We employed confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance test, and measurement alignment for internal consistency testing. To test convergent validity of the two scales, we assessed correlations with trust in seven agents related to government, science, and public health. Although scalar invariance was not achieved when measurement invariance test was conducted initially, we found that both scales can be employed in further international studies with measurement alignment. Moreover, both conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiments were significantly and negatively correlated with trust in all agents. Findings from this study provide supporting evidence for the validity of both scales across 24 languages for future large-scale international research.

Citation

Han, H., M. Blackburn, A., Jeftić, A., Phuong Tran, T., Stöckli, S., Reifler, J., & Vestergren, S. (2022). Validity testing of the conspiratorial thinking and anti-expert sentiment scales during the COVID-19 pandemic across 24 languages from a large-scale global dataset. Epidemiology and Infection, 150, Article e167. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268822001443

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 2, 2022
Online Publication Date Sep 12, 2022
Publication Date 2022
Publicly Available Date Sep 13, 2024
Journal Epidemiology And Infection
Print ISSN 0950-2688
Electronic ISSN 1469-4409
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 150
Article Number e167
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0950268822001443
Keywords Conspiratorial Thinking; Anti-expert Sentiments; Validation; International Survey; COVID-19

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