Integrative complexity of thought depends on which values conflict on a given issue

Evidence

An interesting portrait of the integratively complex politician emerges from the correlations between integrative complexity and several belief and attitudinal variables assessed in the Putnam research. The integratively complex politician tended (a) to be politically left of center, r(87)=−.30, p< . (although, as we have seen, the relation between the left-right continuum and complexity is curvilinear); (b) to de-emphasize the differences between the major political parties, r(87)=.29, p <.01; (c) to be tolerant of opposing viewpoints, r(87)=.52, p<.001; (d) to think about issues in nonideological terms, r(87)=.20, p=.05; and (e) to be unconcerned with assigning blame for societal problems, r(82)=.18, p=.05. In short, integrative complexity is associated with a pragmatic, open-minded, and nonpartisan world view. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2327 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Value pluralism drives cognitively complex political thinking; Competing hypotheses predict different cognitive-complexity patterns across ideological positions; Holding conflicting values in tension drives more complex political thinking (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Integrative complexity correlates with left-of-center, tolerant, nonpartisan thinking #complicates (0.78) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2327