The relationship of conservatism and cognitive-complexity

An investigation of the relationship of conservatism and cognitive-complexity was completed. Forty-one males and 43 females participated in the study with each completing the Wilson-Patterson Conservatism Scale (C Scale) and the Role Repertory Grid (Rep Grid). Analysis indicated that High-Conservatives possessed significantly lower Ordination scores than Low-Conservatives and that these lower scores were related to significant differences in Ordination-Person scores and not due to differences in Ordination-Construct scores. No differences between High- and Low-Conservatives were evident concerning Functionally Independent Construct scores. These results suggest that High-Conservatives possess a somewhat restricted range of construct assignment flexibility that may lead to viewing others in a categorical manner. This restriction may be related to a dislike of ambiguity or an attempt at anxiety reduction. This research is consistent with previous research and it is likely that low cognitive-complexity is another component of the value pattern of conservatives.