General Models of Individual Differences in Cognition: The Commentaries

Abstract

(from the introduction) This chapter is made up of two short commentaries on models of individual differences in cognition by Corr and by Revelle, Wilt, and Rosenthal. Firstly, the commentators take up the problem of brain systems that are critical for understanding systematic individual differences in cognition. They then discuss the question of direction of causation: do individual differences in traits (personality and ability) influence cognitive processes or do variations in cognition determine the traits? Next, they try to determine to what extent cognition may constitute a missing link between temperamental and abilities facets of personality. They then compare individual differences in trait and state variables as predictors of cognitive performance. Finally, they address the problem of differences in the models of individual differences in cognition with regard to conscious and unconscious information processing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)