Which one to trust? Exploratory analysis on astrology, science and religiosity among students in Bucharest

Abstract

Confidence in astrology remains a visible phenomenon in contemporary society, and this is a constant topic of academic interest. A survey based on 512 valid questionnaires were obtained from a non-probability sample of university students from Bucharest, in order to observe possible statistical relations between confidence in astrology, confidence in sciences such as medicine and mathematics, but also fields such as astronomy and horoscope. On the other hand, several statements have been used to measure the level of religiosity. Notable is the moderate positive correlation obtained between astrology and astronomy, but also the strong correlation between astrology and horoscope (this last correlation was expected). Broadly speaking, it is observed that astrology correlates positively with the variables that constitute the ‘inward’ component of religiosity, while the ‘outward’ component shows a rather negative correlation, but which does not enjoy a similar statistical significance. Astronomy, like medicine, outlines negative relation with the level of religiosity. Instead, the correlations that involve trust in medicine have a negative and moderate value, in relation to religiosity. In conclusion, it is observed that the trust in “strong sciences” generates more prompt correlations compared to the trust in astrology, while further studies are needed to clarify the reasons for such uncertain correlations between astrology and religiosity.