Measures the stable desire for a definite answer on any topic, as opposed to confusion and ambiguity — the tendency to seize on early available information and freeze on initial judgments ('seizing and freezing'). Preference for Order captures liking for structure and routine. Preference for Predictability captures preference for knowing what to expect. Decisiveness captures ease of making decisions. Discomfort with Ambiguity captures distress when situations are unclear. Closed-Mindedness captures resistance to considering alternative views. High NFC individuals process advertising information more superficially, rely more on heuristics and brand familiarity, are less persuaded by two-sided messages, and prefer simple product presentations. They are also more susceptible to anchoring effects and are less likely to update beliefs after disconfirming evidence. A critical moderator in persuasion, information processing, and consumer decision research.
Likert (1–6, strongly disagree to strongly agree)
(R)=reverse-scored. Five subscale scores and a Total NFC score. High NFC is associated with reliance on first impressions, preference for simple advertising, susceptibility to anchoring, and resistance to attitude change. The 15-item NFC Short Form (Roets & Van Hiel, 2011, Personality and Individual Differences) offers a validated brief alternative. NFC is higher among older consumers, those under time pressure, and those facing cognitively demanding conditions.
Webster, D.M., & Kruglanski, A.W. (1994). Individual differences in need for cognitive closure. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 67(6), 1049–1062.
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