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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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The HoneyComb Paradigm for Research on Collective Human Behavior
Published on: January 19, 2019
The Wisdom Researchers and the Elephant: An Integrative Model of Wise Behavior
Judith Glück1, Nic M Weststrate2
1University of Klagenfurt, Austria.
Summary
This study introduces an integrative model of wise behavior, highlighting how noncognitive factors like empathy and emotion regulation enhance cognitive abilities in challenging situations. This framework explains variations in wisdom measures and guides interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Wisdom research varies due to differing conceptualizations and measurements.
- Existing psychological wisdom models share conceptual commonalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an integrative, dynamic model of wise behavior in real-life contexts.
- To explain the interplay between cognitive and noncognitive components of wisdom.
- To account for situation specificity and variations in wisdom measures.
Main Methods:
- Integration of components from several existing psychological wisdom models.
- Specification of real-life situations requiring wisdom and characteristics of wise behavior.
- Proposal of a moderation framework where noncognitive factors influence cognitive factors.
Main Results:
- Wise behavior in challenging situations is moderated by noncognitive components (exploratory orientation, concern for others, emotion regulation) influencing cognitive components (knowledge, metacognition, self-reflection).
- The model explains situation specificity and commonalities/differences in personal vs. general wisdom.
- The model accounts for empirical variations in wisdom measure correlations.
Conclusions:
- The proposed integrative model offers a dynamic framework for understanding wise behavior.
- The model has implications for developing wisdom-fostering interventions and assessment tools.
- This framework reconciles diverse findings in wisdom research.
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