Individual differences in epistemic style: A dual-process perspective

Martin E. Eigenberger, Christine Critchley, Karen A. Sealander

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article reports the results of using a specially designed scaled questionnaire to investigate the dualistic properties of epistemic style. The scale is introduced as a measure of individual difference in epistemic style, conceptualized within the framework of dual-process notions of cognitive function. The study examined several psychometric components of the measure, including dimensional structure, distributional characteristics, and indications of construct validity. The instrument, called the Epistemic Preference Indicator, was found to be a reliable and valid measure of two dimensions that are negatively related-each reflecting incompatible epistemic assumptions and approaches to solving knowledge-dependent problems. Theoretical speculations are made concerning the nature of epistemic dualism and the dimension of cognitive processing that may underlie the two proposed epistemic preferences or styles.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3-24
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Research in Personality
Volume41
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2007

Keywords

  • Cognitive style
  • Decision-making
  • Dual-processes
  • Epistemic style
  • Epistemology
  • Measure
  • Reflective thinking
  • Thinking style

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • General Psychology

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