Pro-Science Beliefs: The Role of Analytic Thinking and Epistemic Values

The present research examined whether analytic thinking and valuing rationality predict pro-science beliefs and skepticism toward alternative medicine. We hypothesized that analytic thinking would be more strongly positively associated with pro-science beliefs and skepticism toward alternative medicine among people who strongly (vs. weakly) value being rational. In two studies, participants (N_S1 = 470 and N_S2 = 512) completed measures of analytic thinking, valuing rationality, pro-science belief, and skepticism toward alternative medicine. We used hierarchical regression analyses to test our hypotheses. In Study 1, there was a stronger association between analytic thinking and both science beliefs and skepticism toward alternative medicine among those who strongly (vs. weakly) value being rational. In Study 2, the stronger association between analytic thinking and skepticism toward alternative medicine among those who strongly (vs. weakly) value being rational remained, but we did not replicate results from Study 1 on science beliefs. Pooled analyses across the two studies provided support for both of our hypotheses. Analytic thinking is particularly strongly associated with pro-science beliefs and skepticism toward alternative medicine among people who value being rational. These findings highlight that both motivational and cognitive factors contribute to evidence-based beliefs.