Criterion validity for ELLIS' irrational beliefs: Dogmatism and uncritical inferences

Tested the validity of Ellis' contention that irrational beliefs (1) are held dogmatically and (2) interfere with logical inference making. Ninty-two introductory psychology students completed an Irrational Belief Scale (based on Ellis' Irrational Beliefs), a Dogmatism Scale, and an Uncritical Inference Test. As hypothesized, significant correlations were obtained that showed that greater endorsement of irrational beliefs on the Irrational Belief Scale was associated with (1) greater dogmatism, as assessed by the Dogmatism Scale, and (2) less critical inference making, as assessed by the Uncritical Inference Test. These findings support Ellis' contention that holding irrational beliefs can have deleterious implications for cognitive functioning such as greater dogmatism and less critical inference making.