Cognitive Style Shaped by Framing: Implications for Rational vs. Intuitive Thinking

Abstract

This article investigates how cognitive style shaped by framing influences rational and intuitive thinking. We extend existing research on cognitive styles, specifically the construct of holistic dependence/independence on framing, and examine its relationship with reasoning performance, self-rated intuition, and analytical intelligence. We conduct tests with university students and find that individuals with high holistic independence on framing perform better on rationality tests and are better predictors of rational thinking than traditional measures of intelligence. Additionally, holistic independence on framing was found to be marginally related to lower self-rated reliance on intuition. These findings suggest that holistic dependence/independence on framing may provide additional insight into reasoning styles beyond traditional intelligence measures, highlighting its potential relevance for understanding individual differences in decision-making processes.