Integrative complexity explained

Integrative complexity is a research psychometric that refers to the degree to which thinking and reasoning involve the recognition and integration of multiple perspectives and possibilities and their interrelated contingencies.

Integrative complexity is a measure of the intellectual style used by individuals or groups in processing information, problem-solving, and decision making. Complexity looks at the structure of one's thoughts, while ignoring the contents. It is scorable from almost any verbal materials: written materials, such as books, articles, letters, and transcript; as well as audio-visual material.

The measure of integrative complexity has two components: differentiation and integration. Differentiation refers to the perception of different dimensions when considering an issue. Integration refers to the recognition of cognitive connections among differentiated dimensions or perspectives.[1]

In a 1988 study it was demonstrated that changes in integrative complexity could be potentially used in international violence prediction.[2] These findings were seen again in a 1995 article by Karen Guttieri, Michael Wallace, and Peter Suedfeld looking at the Cuban Missile Crisis.[3]

Components

Evaluative differentiation

Evaluative differentiation involves the acknowledgement that reasonable people can view any given event differently and that making a decision involves balancing any legitimate competing interests. In contrast, thinking in an evaluatively un-differentiated manner involves thinking rigidly and refusing to compromise or consider any alternative.

Conceptual integration

Conceptual integration uses reasoning that builds upon earlier evaluative differentiations. It is commonly used to help give context to previous evaluative differentiations. For example, it could take the form of explaining why someone may view an event in a different way or in what ways a compromise could be made between conflicting values.[4]

Examples

Conflict resolution

See main article: Conflict resolution. Integratively complex thinkers are better able to reach mutually advantageous solutions in mixed-motive games than integratively simple thinkers.[5] Declines in integrative complexity in diplomacy during times of crises is also a lead indicator of war, while increases in integrative complexity is a lead indicator of reaching compromise agreements that avert war.[6]

Cognitive bias

See main article: Cognitive bias. Thinking in an integratively complex way can reduce or even eliminate various judgmental biases. Such biases include belief perseverance, the over-attribution effect, and overconfidence.[7] [8] [9]

Downsides

Integrative complexity can also have drawbacks. Thinking in an integratively complex way, for example, makes one more prone to suffering from the dilution effect.[10] Integratively complex thinkers are also more prone to defer to others or put off making a decision when faced with difficult cost–benefit decisions.[11] Additionally, while integratively complex thinkers are more likely to reach a mutually advantageous compromise when dealing with reasonable opponents, unreasonable opponents are much more likely to be able to exploit them.[12]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Suedfeld's Integrative Complexity Research . Peter Suedfeld . Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia.
  2. Suedfeld . Peter . Bluck . Susan . Changes in Integrative Complexity Prior to Surprise Attacks . Journal of Conflict Resolution . SAGE Publications . 32 . 4 . 1988 . 0022-0027 . 10.1177/0022002788032004002 . 626–635. 143767405 .
  3. Guttieri . Karen . Wallace . Michael D. . Suedfeld . Peter . The Integrative Complexity of American Decision Makers in The Cuban Missile Crisis . Journal of Conflict Resolution . SAGE Publications . 39 . 4 . 1995 . 0022-0027 . 10.1177/0022002795039004001 . 595–621. 145175846 .
  4. Tetlock . Philip E. . Armor . David . Peterson . Randall S. . The slavery debate in antebellum America: Cognitive style, value conflict, and the limits of compromise . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . American Psychological Association (APA) . 66 . 1 . 1994 . 1939-1315 . 10.1037/0022-3514.66.1.115 . 115–126 .
  5. Pruitt . Dean G. . Lewis . Steven A. . Development of integrative solutions in bilateral negotiation . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . American Psychological Association (APA) . 31 . 4 . 1975 . 1939-1315 . 10.1037/0022-3514.31.4.621 . 621–633.
  6. Suedfeld . Peter . Tetlock . Philip . Integrative Complexity of Communications in International Crises . Journal of Conflict Resolution . SAGE Publications . 21 . 1 . 1977 . 0022-0027 . 10.1177/002200277702100108 . 169–184 . 145538991 .
  7. Tetlock . Philip E. . Cognitive style and political ideology . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . American Psychological Association (APA) . 45 . 1 . 1983 . 1939-1315 . 10.1037/0022-3514.45.1.118 . 118–126 .
  8. Tetlock . Philip E. . Integrative complexity of American and Soviet foreign policy rhetoric: A time-series analysis . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . American Psychological Association (APA) . 49 . 6 . 1985 . 1939-1315 . 10.1037/0022-3514.49.6.1565 . 1565–1585 .
  9. Tetlock . Philip E. . Kim . Jae I. . Accountability and judgment processes in a personality prediction task . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . American Psychological Association (APA) . 52 . 4 . 1987 . 1939-1315 . 10.1037/0022-3514.52.4.700 . 700–709 . 3572733 .
  10. Tetlock . Philip E. . Boettger . Richard . Accountability: A social magnifier of the dilution effect . Journal of Personality and Social Psychology . American Psychological Association (APA) . 57 . 3 . 1989 . 1939-1315 . 10.1037/0022-3514.57.3.388 . 388–398. 2778629 . 10.1.1.486.7401 .
  11. Tetlock . Philip E. . Boettger . Richard . Accountability amplifies the status quo effect when change creates victims . Journal of Behavioral Decision Making . Wiley . 7 . 1 . 1994 . 0894-3257 . 10.1002/bdm.3960070102 . 1–23.
  12. Tetlock . P E . McGuire . C B . Mitchell . G . Psychological Perspectives on Nuclear Deterrence . Annual Review of Psychology . Annual Reviews . 42 . 1 . 1991 . 0066-4308 . 10.1146/annurev.ps.42.020191.001323 . 239–276.

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