Reasoning independently of prior belief and individual differences in actively open-minded thinking

Author(s): West, R. F.

Journal/Book: J Educ Psychol. 1997; 89: 750 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Amer Psychological Assoc. 342-357.

Abstract: A sample of 349 college students completed an argument evaluation test (AET) in which they evaluated arguments concerning real-life situations. A separate regression analysis was conducted for each student predicting his or her evaluations of argument quality from an a objective indicator of argument quality and the strength of his or her prior beliefs about the target propositions. The beta weight for objective argument quality was interpreted in this analysis as an indicator of the ability to evaluate objective argument quality independent of prior belief. Individual differences in this index were reliably linked to individual differences in cognitive ability and actively open-minded thinking dispositions. Further, actively open-minded thinking predicted variance in AET performance even after individual differences in cognitive ability had been partialled out.

Note: Review Stanovich KE, Univ Toronto, Ontario Inst Studies Educ, Dept Human Dev & Appl Psychol, 252 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6, CANADA

Keyword(s): DEVELOPMENTAL PERSPECTIVE; INTELLECTUAL-DEVELOPMENT; INSPECTION TIME; DECISION-MAKING; INTELLIGENCE; BIAS; RATIONALITY; COGNITION; KNOWLEDGE; JUDGMENT

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