Bullshit Receptivity Scale

Scale Overview & Construct

30-item scale measuring susceptibility to perceiving meaningless statements as profound — 10 pseudo-profound (grammatically valid but meaningless) statements, plus 10 real motivational quotes and 10 mundane factual statements as comparison sets.

30-Item Scale Likert Self-Report Dimensional Breakdown Server-Side Validated

Purpose & Measurement Objectives

30-item scale measuring susceptibility to perceiving meaningless statements as profound — 10 pseudo-profound (grammatically valid but meaningless) statements, plus 10 real motivational quotes and 10 mundane factual statements as comparison sets. Based on your answers to its 30 items, you'll get a breakdown across its 3 component areas as well as an overall picture, showing where the pattern is strongest for you. Your result gives you a clearer picture of this particular thinking style or tendency, and how consistently it shows up for you.

Instrument Specifications

Target Population

Teachers, Educators & Faculty

Administration Format

Self-Administered

Intended Domain / Purpose

Research & Empirical Study

Recommended Age Bracket

Adults (18+ yrs)

Duration & Pacing

12 Minutes (Self-Paced)

Access License

Open Creative Commons

Academic Citation & Instrument Provenance

When referencing this instrument in research, academic theses, or clinical institutional audits, please cite the original author publication:

License: CC BY 4.0. Citation: Pennycook, G., Cheyne, J. A., Barr, N., Koehler, D. J., & Fugelsang, J. A. (2015). On the reception and detection of pseudo-profound bullshit. Judgment and Decision Making, 10(6), 549-563. This is not a diagnostic tool.

Governance, Boundaries & Ethical Use

Construct Boundaries & Interpretive Limitations

Imported from the OpenScales open item-bank project. This specific digital implementation has not been independently clinically validated by PsiQ — scores are for self-reflection, research, and educational purposes only, and are not a diagnosis.

License: CC BY 4.0. Citation: Pennycook, G., Cheyne, J. A., Barr, N., Koehler, D. J., & Fugelsang, J. A. (2015). On the reception and detection of pseudo-profound bullshit. Judgment and Decision Making, 10(6), 549-563. This is not a diagnostic tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bullshit Receptivity Scale?

30-item scale measuring susceptibility to perceiving meaningless statements as profound — 10 pseudo-profound (grammatically valid but meaningless) statements, plus 10 real motivational quotes and 10 mundane factual statements as comparison sets.

How long does the Bullshit Receptivity Scale take?

It takes about 12 minutes to answer all 30 questions. You can go at your own pace.

Is this test free, and is it available in Hindi?

Yes, it is free with a PsiQ account. The questions and answer options are available in English, Hindi and Hinglish.

Can this test diagnose a condition?

No. Online self-report scales are for self-reflection, education and research, not diagnosis. If you are worried about your mental health, please speak to a qualified mental-health professional.