Paranormal Beliefs and Analytic Cognitive Thinking Style within Different Age Groups

This study tested two hypotheses related to the relationship of paranormal beliefs
\nwith the analytic cognitive thinking style of Russian citizens: 1) whether the relationship
\nbetween these variables is negative; 2) whether the relationship between the variables
\nwill be significantly stronger for the middle age group rather than for the young or senior
\ngroups. In order to test our hypotheses, a quota sample of Russian participants (n = 1498,
\nMage = 41.65, SDage = 12.72) completed an online survey that included selected subscales
\nfrom the Manchester Metropolitan University New (MMU-N) Paranormal Scale and
\nthe three-item Cognitive Reflection Test. As a result, based on multiple hierarchic linear
\nregression modeling, the study confirmed only the first hypothesis: controlling for the socio-
\ndemographic variables, those with higher levels of paranormal beliefs demonstrated lower
\nanalytic cognitive thinking style propensities. As for the second hypothesis, the study did
\nnot confirm it. Сontrary to our hypothesis, compared to middle-aged participants, young
\nparticipants showed the strongest negative relationship between paranormal beliefs and
\nanalytic cognitive thinking style propensity. Although we discuss in this paper certain
\nstudy limitations that need to be further addressed, current results already extend our
\nunderstanding of the relationship between paranormal beliefs and neurocognitive indicators,
\nsuch as analytic cognitive thinking style propensity, among Russian citizens. Furthermore,
\neducational institutions can also consider them while creating school/university curriculums
\naimed at enhancing a scientific worldview among younger generations