Individual Differences in Assimilation Resistance and Affective Responses in Problem Solving

Data on problem solving collected within the framework of Eckblad's (198lb) cognitive theory of affect are analyzed with three-mode principal component analysis. Eckblad's theory contends that affect is mediated by cognitive schemes. When schemes are inadequate for input assimilation, the resistances call forth affects with respect to the events. In this study, the task information load was varied to provide different levels of resistance. Data comprised 6 judgment scales (Pleasant-Unpleasant, Interesting-Boring, Comfortable-Uncomfortable, ComplexSimple, Varied-Monotone, and Confused-Clear) by 8 problem solving tasks (ordered a priori by information load) by 32 thirteen-year-old boys. The general results were consistent with the hypotheses of curvex scale relationships and joint scale-task fan-shaped vector configurations, but the fit was modest and vulnerable to other interpretations. Although many of the problems were accommodated by Eckblad's general scheme theory, it is suggested that assimilation resistance must be more rigorously operationalized to afford greater insight into the correspondence between cognition and affect. In general, this study illustrates the effectiveness of the threemode principal component analysis (TUCKALS) method for the assessment of the nomothetic validity of a theoretical framework as it pertains to within and across person variation.