Development of superstition questionnaire

Abstract

The article addresses the main superstitiousness concepts, analyzes the structure of the phenomenon and gives a working definition of superstitiousness. The paper also provides the results of creating and testing of the original methodology “Superstitiousness Inventory” and its psychometric parameters. The questionnaire includes 30 statements that describe ritual behavior and beliefs typical for the Russian urbanistic subculture. A 4-point scale is used to estimate the frequency of manifesting these beliefsand ritual behavior (0-3 points). The overall sample population included 661 respondents (N=661). 553 of them are female (n = 553) and 108 are male aged (n = 108) 17-66 (SD age = 25,1). The study was carried out in the Internet. All the questionnaires were converted to Google format and sent to respondents using the social network “VKontakte”. Psychometric measures test showed test-retest reliability of the methodology (r = 0,91, p < 0,0001) and internal consistency (α = 0,92). Construct validity was verified by calculating the coefficients of correlation between the superstitiousness indicator that was received using the “Superstitiousness Inventory” and the superstition indicator from the Paranormal Belief Scale by J. Tobacyk (adapted D.S.Grigoriev) and all the scores parameters of the “Beliefs and Superstitions Questionnaire” by I.Ya.Stoyanova. Correlation analysis showed construct validity of the “Superstitiousness Inventory”. The paper also provides the results of the methodology standardization, instruction and the text of the questionnaire.