Need for closure and dealing with uncertainty in decision making context: The role of the behavioral inhibition system and working memory capacity

• The moderated mediation model of BIS, NFC and WMC on decision-making is proposed.
• Simplified decision making process allows high NFC people to quickly reach closure.
• NFC is motivational mechanism enabling high BIS individuals to deal with uncertainty.
• WMC, as significant for self-regulation, moderates abovementioned relationship.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the moderated mediation model of the relationship between the behavioral inhibition system (BIS), need for closure (NFC) and working memory capacity (WMC) in the decision making process. It was assumed that NFC works as a motivational mechanism that enables individuals high in BIS to deal with uncertainty; therefore, NFC mediates the effect of BIS on behavior in a decision-making situation. Moreover, as uncertainty management requires cognitive resources, we expected WMC to moderate this relationship. In line with our hypothesis, we found that NFC mediated the relationship between BIS and the information search about the job candidates, and this effect occurred only for individuals high in WMC. We discuss these results in the context of effective self-regulation, as well as motivational and cognitive determinants of effort.