Personality and the use of intuition: individual differences in strategy and performance on an implicit learning task

Abstract

There is a divergence of opinion regarding the existence of individual dierences in the use of intuition, ranging from intuition being the preserve of a creative minority to intuition as a basic cognitive process that is equally accessible to all. The existence and nature of individual dierences in the use of intuition were explored by studying relationships between the sensing±intuition scale of the Myers±Briggs Type Indicator and strategy and performance on an implicit learning task. Results indicated dierences in strategy and performance in implicit learning between sensing and intuitive types. Intuitive types were more likely to report a strategy of using intuition; sensing types were more likely to use explicit knowledge. In addition, intuitive types were more accurate than sensing types in their intuition. Thus, the position that there are individual dierences in the use of intuition has been supported.

The effects of mood, cognitive style, and cognitive ability on implicit learning

“…Numerous studies have found only a modest correlation between implicit learning performance and individual differences in cognitive ability (Gebauer & Mackintosh, 2007Kaufman et al, 2009;Reber, Walkenfeld, & Hernstadt, 1991). However, as mentioned, some evidence has shown a correlation between an intuitive cognitive style and implicit learning performance (Woolhouse & Bayne, 2000). Recent work by Kaufman et al (2009) found that SRT significantly correlated with openness to experience and the intuition facet of the Myers Briggs (MBTI).…”

“…Preferences for the experiential mode were found to correlate with heuristic responding in a laboratory gambling task (Pacini & Epstein). Similarly, preference for intuition (as measured by the Myers Briggs Intuitive/Sensate subscale) was found to correlate with implicit learning (Woolhouse & Bayne, 2000). Our predictions for the effect of cognitive style on implicit learning follow from dual process theory.…”

Effects of mood on learning in the serial reaction time task

“…Applying a different experimental procedure, Woolhouse and Bayne (2000) found a relationship between cognitive intuitive style, as measured by MBTI, and performance on a HCD task.…”

“…However, a number of recent studies have challenged this view by showing evidence of individual differences in implicit learning ranging from aspects of psychometric intelligence to personality factors (Norman, Price, & Duff, 2006;Woolhouse & Bayne, 2000). More specifically, Kaufman et al (2010) found that implicit learning as measured by an SRT task was related to a number of individual difference variables, including verbal analogical reasoning and processing speed aspects of psychometric intelligence, performance on two foreign language exams, as well as intuition, openness to experience and impulsivity.…”

Investigating users’ intuitive interaction with complex artefacts

“…Further, although the MBTI has been widely applied, it was developed by amateurs and it, too, had no basis in experimental work (Carroll, 2003). Woolhouse and Bayne (2000) found that there were no significant relationships between use of intuition and gender. Boucouvalas (1997) suggests that the issue of gender differences in use of intuition is semantic, with men preferring to use terms like ''hunch'' and ''gut feeling'' rather than intuition.…”