title: The FAD-Plus: measuring lay beliefs regarding free will and related constructs.
abstract: We describe the development of FAD-Plus, a 27-item measure of lay beliefs in free will and 3 closely related constructs: scientific determinism, fatalistic determinism, and unpredictability. Previously published measures included only a subset of these variables and tended to assume an a priori pattern of relations among these 4 beliefs. In Study 1, exploratory factor analyses suggested relatively independent factors. This independence was sustained in Study 2, using a confirmatory analysis. Each of the 4 subscales (Free Will, Scientific Determinism, Fatalistic Determinism, and Unpredictability) showed acceptable internal consistencies. Study 2 also mapped out associations with the Big Five personality traits and showed that believing in free will is not synonymous with having an internal locus of control. Study 3 replicated the instrument's structure and subscale reliabilities in a community sample. Preliminary applications are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. dpaulhus@psych.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Delroy L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Paulhus
authors.forename: Jasmine M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Carey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D020407:Internet; D016013:Likelihood Functions; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013334:Students; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult