Individual differences in intuitive–experiential and analytical–rational thinking styles.

Abstract

Two studies provide evidence for the reliability and validity of a new self-report measure of individual differences in intuitive-experiential and analytical-rational thinking based on cognitive-experiential self-theory (CEST). The Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI) was constructed to measure the 2 independent processing modes with a modified Need for Cognition Scale (NFC, J.T. Cacioppo & R.E. Petty, 1982) and a new scale, Faith in Intuition (FI). In Study 1, a factor analysis yielded 2 orthogonal factors corresponding to NFC and FI. Although heuristic processing was determined primarily by FI, NFC also contributed to heuristic responding, in line with CEST. The relation of FI and NFC to coping ability also was examined. In Study 2, the factor structure of the REI was replicated (N = 973). NFC and FI were differentially related to measures of personality, adjustment, achievement, and interpersonal relations.

When emotionality trumps reason: A study of individual processing style and juror bias

“…Cognitive Experiential Self Theory (CEST) is the outcome of a line of work undertaken by Epstein and his colleges (e.g. Donovan & Epstein, 1997, Epstein, Pacini, Denes-Raj, & Heier, 1996DenesRaj & Epstein, 1994). CEST is a broad theory of personality that supposes people process information through two independent but parallel cognitive systems, one a preconscious experiential/intuitive system and the other a conscious rational/analytical system .…”

“…It emphasizes ''vibes,'' emotions, and stereotypical thinking from past events (Epstein, 1991). The experiential system is also associated with solving problems that rely on life lessons and experience that elude articulation and logical analysis (Epstein, 1991) and is particularly prone to logical shortcuts or heuristics (Denes-Raj & Heier, 1996). In his early work, Epstein demonstrated that the experiential system is credited with the ability to form interpersonal relationships, creative thoughts and emotionality (Epstein, 1991).…”

“…The rational system is the source for scientific and technological achievements, and it makes possible complex generalization, comprehension of cause and effect, and high levels of abstraction and complex reasoning (Epstein, 1991). In a series of experiments, Epstein and his associates have provided empirical support for CEST's core assumptions and construct validation (Denes Raj & Epstein 1994;Epstein & Donovan, 1997;Epstein et al, 1996). For example, Denes Raj & Epstein (1994) found that when participants were offered an opportunity to win $1 by drawing a red bean from a dish with various colored beans, participants occasionally neglected the dishes with better winning ratios of red beans and chose instead from bowls with larger absolute numbers of red beans, even though the odds were against them.…”

“…To assess quantitatively the degree to which experientiality and rationality differ within individuals, the Rational Experiential Inventory (REI) was developed (Epstein et al, 1996;Pacini & Epstein, 1999). The REI is a 40-item self-report measure of individual differences in intuitive-experiential processing, and analytical-rational thinking.…”

“…The REI is a 40-item self-report measure of individual differences in intuitive-experiential processing, and analytical-rational thinking. The inventory is based on a coupling of the Need for Cognition scale (Cacioppo & Petty, 1982) used to measure rational processing and the Faith in Intuition scale (Epstein, et al, 1996) used to measure experiential processing. Because the REI uses two separate scales to account for the orthogonal two-dimensional structure of CEST, the inventory provides a separate score for experiential and rational processing for each individual.…”