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Objectivism in information utilization: theory and measurement.
M R Leary1, J A Shepperd, M S McNeil
1Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA.
Journal of Personality Assessment
|April 1, 1986
Summary
This study introduces the Objectivism Scale to measure reliance on empirical data and rational thought. Highly objective individuals prefer factual decision-making over intuition and value research careers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Decision Science
Background:
- Individual differences in judgment and belief formation are crucial.
- Understanding the tendency to rely on empirical information and rational considerations (objectivism) is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and validate a self-report scale measuring individual differences in objectivism.
- To explore the characteristics and preferences of highly objective individuals.
Main Methods:
- Development and validation of the Objectivism Scale.
- Correlational analyses examining relationships between objectivism scores and various preferences/behaviors.
Main Results:
- Highly objective individuals enjoy thinking, prioritize observable facts, and de-emphasize subjective decision-making.
- Objectivism positively correlated with research career ratings and negatively with mental health career ratings among psychology graduate students.
- Objective individuals were more critical of non-objective psychological assessment techniques and valued research more.
Conclusions:
- The Objectivism Scale effectively measures individual differences in rational and empirical judgment.
- Objectivism influences career preferences, critical evaluation of assessment methods, and decision-making criteria.