Science takes more than belief: Epistemic and cognitive predictors of scientific reasoning

Belief in science and scientific reasoning represent related but conceptually distinct aspects of individuals' engagement with science: the former reflects an epistemic orientation toward science, whereas the latter concerns the ability to evaluate evidence, methods, and inferences. We examined actively open-minded thinking (AOT) and cognitive reflection (CRT) as theoretically complementary characteristics, representing an epistemic disposition and a reflective cognitive component, respectively. In a sample of 333 Italian participants, we examined the incremental associations of belief in science, AOT, and CRT with scientific reasoning and whether AOT and CRT showed similar or differentiated associations with belief in science and scientific reasoning. Belief in science was positively but weakly associated with scientific reasoning. AOT and CRT accounted for additional variance in scientific reasoning beyond sociodemographic characteristics and belief in science. AOT was associated with both belief in science and scientific reasoning, whereas CRT was associated with scientific reasoning but not significantly with belief in science. Overall, the findings indicate partly differentiated patterns of association across the two constructs. Given the cross-sectional design, no causal or temporal conclusions can be drawn.