Cognitive style revisited: The structure X cognition interaction

The present research investigates two cognitive style constructs: need for structure (the preference for simple cognitive structures) and need for cognition (the tendency to engage in effortful cognizing). We propose an interaction between structure and cognition, such that four meaningful and empirically distinct cognitive style types emerge. Further, we propose that these groups may be differentiated in terms of general negative affect. A survey study (n = 703 undergraduates) was conducted to determine the influence of structure and cognition on a number of related individual difference measures (i.e., anxiety, worry, self-efficacy). Regression analyses revealed significant structure x cognition interaction effects for several variables and generally supported the hypothesized relationship between the cognitive style groups and general negative affect.