The relationship of conservatism and cognitive-complexity

An investigation of the relationship of conservatism and cognitive-complexity was completed. Forty-one males and 43 females participated in the study with each completing the Wilson-Patterson Conservatism Scale (C Scale) and the Role Repertory Grid (Rep Grid). Analysis indicated that High-Conservatives possessed significantly lower Ordination scores than Low-Conservatives and that these lower scores were related to significant differences in Ordination-Person scores and not due to differences in Ordination-Construct scores. No differences between High- and Low-Conservatives were evident concerning Functionally Independent Construct scores. These results suggest that High-Conservatives possess a somewhat restricted range of construct assignment flexibility that may lead to viewing others in a categorical manner. This restriction may be related to a dislike of ambiguity or an attempt at anxiety reduction. This research is consistent with previous research and it is likely that low cognitive,complexity is another component of the value pattern of conservatives. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.