Low belief stability proves low cognitive centrality, not merely idiosyncratic thinking

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: Lower conceptualization levels track lower information, education, and involvement; Felt fragility fails to displace the rigid centrality metaphor of the brain — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 128; Cognitive rigidity falls off only at the far-left extreme (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Integrative complexity correlates with left-of-center, tolerant, nonpartisan thinking #complicates (0.76) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 2327