Premium
Linear and Nonlinear Thinking: A Multidimensional Model and Measure
Author(s) -
Groves Kevin S.,
Vance Charles M.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the journal of creative behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.896
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 2162-6057
pISSN - 0022-0175
DOI - 10.1002/jocb.60
Subject(s) - creativity , divergent thinking , convergent thinking , psychology , intuition , construct (python library) , cognitive style , discriminant validity , measure (data warehouse) , cognition , creative thinking , computer science , social psychology , cognitive science , psychometrics , developmental psychology , data mining , neuroscience , internal consistency , programming language
Building upon previously developed and more general dual‐process models, this paper provides empirical support for a multidimensional thinking style construct comprised of linear thinking and multiple dimensions of nonlinear thinking. A self‐report assessment instrument (Linear/Nonlinear Thinking Style Profile; LNTSP ) is presented and preliminarily tested across three studies with an overall sample of 778 respondents comprised of business students and managers. The results indicate that nonlinear thinking style consists of seven distinct, yet interrelated dimensions: intuition, creativity, values, imagination, flexibility, insights, and emotions. Convergent and discriminant validity estimates vis‐à‐vis a multidimensional creative thinking index and an emotional intelligence measure provide support for further development of the instrument. The implications of these results for future managerial cognition research are discussed, as well as potential practical applications of the LNTSP for management education and business practice.