Cognitive style in adults: task alternatives, task strategy, and time estimation

Increasing the number of task alternatives in a match-to-sample problem led to longer decision times in cognitively reflective but not in cognitively impulsive adults. Impulsives, as compared to reflectives, were found to verbalize less "thinking out loud" coded verbal behavior, to endorse less motivation for success and more motivation for speed, and to consistently underestimate time (i.e., periods of 10, 20, & 60 seconds). The present results suggest a latency-related response inhibition deficit in cognitively impulsive adults. The potential of a cognitive-behavioral treatment strategy is considered.