Japanese version of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale
The present research aimed to develop a Japanese version of the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS-J). In the first study, exploratory factor analysis with a split-half subsample (n = 300) proposed a two-factor structure separating the extraterrestrial belief from other conspiracy beliefs. Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis with the other split-half subsample (n = 300) confirmed the two-factor structure. Study 1 also established convergent validity by indicating strong positive correlations with other measures of conspiracist belief. The second study provided further evidence for convergent validity that indicates a positive correlation with related psychological constructs, such as paranormal beliefs. Study 2 also exhibited temporal test–retest reliability and the discriminant validity of the GCBS-J by indicating no association with an unrelated construct. These findings suggest that the GCBS-J is a useful tool for assessing generic conspiracist beliefs within Japanese samples.