Individual differences in Zhong-Yong tendency and processing capacity

Abstract

The present study investigated how an individual's Zhong-Yong tendency is related to his/her perceptual processing capacity. In two experiments, participants completed a Zhong-Yong Thinking Style Scale and performed a redundant-target detection task. Processing capacity was assessed with a non-parametric approach (systems factorial technology, SFT) and a parametric (linear ballistic accumulator model, LBA) approach. Results converged to suggest a positive correlation between Zhong-Yong tendency and processing capacity. High middle-way thinkers had larger processing capacity in multiple-signal processing compared with low middle-way thinkers, indicating that they processed information more efficiently and in an integrated fashion. Zhong-Yong tendency positively correlates with the processing capacity. These findings suggest that the individual differences in processing capacity can account for the reasons why high middle-way thinkers tend to adopt a global and flexible processing strategy to deal with the external world. Furthermore, the influence of culturally dictated thinking style on cognition can be revealed in a perception task.

The role of cultural values in green purchasing intention: Empirical evidence from Chinese consumers

“…As mentioned above, the Doctrine of the Mean emphasizes such moral principles as a holistic perspective, the virtues of collectivism, the state of harmony, as well as a balance between one's present and one's future. These principles all play a major role in the daily lives of the Chinese people (Chang & Yang, 2014;Chou et al, 2014;Ji et al, 2010;Yang, 2010). Cultural values play a significant role in affecting environmentally friendly consumption behaviour of individual consumers (Cordano et al, 2011;Soyez, 2012).…”

“…Furthermore, the Doctrine of the Mean emphasizes the virtues of collectivism and one's harmonious living in an environment as well as with other people. The philosophy also encompasses principles that promote self-restraint and long-term development (Chang & Yang, 2014;Chou, Chu, Yeh, & Chen, 2014;He, 2011;Ji, Lee, & Guo, 2010;Yang, 2001Yang, , 2010. Notably, collectivism and an emphasis on harmony between nature and human kind are fundamentally related to green purchasing intention (Chan, 2001;Wang et al, 2016).…”

Parenting Style and Emotional Distress Among Chinese College Students: A Potential Mediating Role of the Zhongyong Thinking Style

“…Zhongyong thinking (Doctrine of the Mean, Middle-way thinking), as the central theme of Confucian personality, is the most influential thinking style in China (Chang and Yang, 2014). It is also the recommended mode of action to be applied to interpersonal interactions among Chinese individuals (Yao et al, 2010).…”

Effect of Online Product Presentation on the Purchase Intention of Wearable Devices: The Role of Mental Imagery and Individualism–Collectivism

“…A total of 24 items were retained and included in the final questionnaire. Given that Chinese respondents who are fundamentally influenced by the Zhong-Yong thinking, which emphasizes that one should avoid going to extremes and maintain interpersonal harmony (Chang and Cheng-Ta, 2014;Pan and Sun, 2017), prefer the middle option when filling in the answers, all items were measured with a six-point Likert scale ranging from "1 = strongly disagree" to "6 = strongly agree." Many researchers also use a 6-point Likert scale (Butler and Wasserman, 2006;Shojania and Mheen, 2015;Schröder et al, 2017), which not only avoids the middle choice but also makes a more detailed distinction in perception and attitude.…”