Index of Beliefs (pilot)

Pilot Survey: Index of Beliefs

1 = Strongly Disagree
Strongly Agree = 9

Question

MEAN

Range

Sometimes the moon looks bigger than other times. This occurs because it varies in how close it is to the Earth. When it is close, it looks much bigger than when it is further away.

5.53

1 - 9

The United States has sent men to the moon and returned them safely to Earth.

8.27

2 - 9

Astrology, if done correctly, can tell us important things about our lives and our futures.

3.89

1 - 9

Ghosts exist.

5.22

1 - 9

Trees and plants get most of their fibrous mass (hard bulk) from carbon in the air.

5.80

1 - 9

Some people have a gift that allows them to use the power of their minds to heal others.

3.33

1 - 9

The holocaust actually happened.

8.57

2 - 9

Pyramids have unusual powers (e.g., they can keep razors sharp, or food fresh longer).

3.22

1 - 8

Smoking causes cancer.

8.73

6 - 9

The movements of electrons allow electric lights and appliances to work.

6.77

2 - 9

Some people are born lucky or unlucky.

3.47

1 - 9

Your mind or soul can leave your body and travel (astral projection).

3.86

1 - 9

Wearing, touching, or possessing certain objects (e.g., rabbit's foot, horseshoe, etc.) can bring good luck.

3.05

1 - 9

We have (our planet has) been visited by extraterrestrials (intelligent aliens).

4.14

1 - 9

If you wish hard enoughfor something, you can make it happen.

3.88

1 - 9

The spirits of dead people can influence the living.

4.13

1 - 9

There is a Santa Claus who today lives in the North Pole with tiny elves who make toys for Santa to deliver (with flying reindeer) to children all over the world.

1.27

1 - 7

In relationships, it is mostly true that "Birds of a feather flock together."

5.88

1 - 9

In relationships, it is mostly true that "Opposites attract."

5.42

1 - 9

People, including myself, can have their opinions and beliefs easily affected by the stated opinions and beliefs of others.

6.24

1 - 9

Subliminal messages, such as those hidden in self-help tapes, really work.

3.99

1 - 8

There was a time when people believed that it was unhealthy to take a bath or to wash.

5.74

1 - 9

Some people are uncanny predictors (prophets) of future events, such as Nostradamus.

5.11

1 - 9

There is a section of ocean called the Bermuda Triangle where an unusual number of strange disappearances has occurred over the years.

6.99

2 - 9

Our physical, emotional and intellectual states can be predicted (at least somewhat) based on our own personal biorhythms.

5.61

1 - 9

Careful scientific analyses of psychic phenomena are not possible unless negative vibrations from skeptics or non-believers are prevented.

4.43

1 - 9

The pyramids and other great structures (e.g., Stonehenge, the statues of Easter Island) are too sophisticated to have been built by humans when they were because the technologies available at the time were not sufficient.

3.39

1 - 9

There is such a thing as vampires.

2.03

1 - 9

The sun orbits the Earth.

2.59

1 - 9

The evidence that man evolved from ape-like beasts, as well as the "million-year-old" dinosaur bones we see in museums were all planted by God when He created Earth about 10,000 years ago.

4.40

1 - 9

There really is such a thing as an Easter Bunny that delivers candy and decorated eggs to children who believe.

1.40

1 - 9

Elvis Presley is dead.

8.45

1 - 9

If a stranger told me that they received messages from aliens through the braces in their teeth, I would believe them.

1.42

1 - 6

I believe that the Shroud of Turin is a holy relic that shows the imprint left by the crucified body of Jesus Christ.

5.22

1 - 9

Lightning can strike the same place more than one time.

7.05

1 - 9

I don't think there is anything wrong with believing in superstitions, supernatural events, or anything paranormal because doing so doesn't harm anyone.

6.63

1 - 9