Conspiracy Mentality Scale

Scale Overview & Construct

11-item scale measuring generic conspiracy mentality — the general tendency to believe events are secretly orchestrated by powerful actors, across conspiracy-theory ideation and general skepticism subscales.

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

Purpose & Measurement Objectives

11-item scale measuring generic conspiracy mentality — the general tendency to believe events are secretly orchestrated by powerful actors, across conspiracy-theory ideation and general skepticism subscales. Based on your answers to its 11 items, you'll get a breakdown across its 2 component areas as well as an overall picture, showing where the pattern is strongest for you. Taking it helps you understand how you tend to think or feel in this social context, compared to assuming it.

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

5 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: Bruder, M., Haffke, P., Neave, N., Nouripanah, N., & Imhoff, R. (2013). Measuring individual differences in generic beliefs in conspiracy theories across cultures: Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 225. 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: Bruder, M., Haffke, P., Neave, N., Nouripanah, N., & Imhoff, R. (2013). Measuring individual differences in generic beliefs in conspiracy theories across cultures: Conspiracy Mentality Questionnaire. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 225. This is not a diagnostic tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Conspiracy Mentality Scale?

11-item scale measuring generic conspiracy mentality — the general tendency to believe events are secretly orchestrated by powerful actors, across conspiracy-theory ideation and general skepticism subscales.

How long does the Conspiracy Mentality Scale take?

It takes about 5 minutes to answer all 11 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.