Need for Cognitive Closure

What it measures

A multiple-item scale measuring need for cognitive closure.

Response format

6-point Likert (1=strongly disagree, 6=strongly agree)

Scale items

• I think that having clear rules and order at work is essential for success.
• Even after I've made up my mind about something, I am always eager to consider a different opinion. (r)
• I don't like situations that are uncertain.
• I dislike questions which could be answered in many different ways.
• I like to have friends who are unpredictable. (r)
• I find that a well ordered life with regular hours suits my temperament.
• When dining out, I like to go to places where I have been before so that I know what to expect.
• I feel uncomfortable when I don't understand the reason why an event occurred in my life.
• I feel irritated when one person disagrees with what everyone else in a group believes.
• I hate to change my plans at the last minute.
• I don't like to go into a situation without knowing what I can expect from it.
• When I go shopping, I have difficulty deciding exactly what it is that I want. (r)
• When faced with a problem, I usually see the one best solution very quickly.
• When I am confused about an important issue, I feel very upset.
• I tend to put off making important decisions until the last possible moment.
• I usually make important decisions quickly and confidently.
• I would describe myself as indecisive. (r)
• I think it is fun to change my plans at the last moment. (r)
• I enjoy the uncertainty of going into a new situation without knowing what might happen. (r)
• My personal space is usually messy and disorganized. (r)
• In most social conflicts, I can easily see which side is right and which is wrong.
• I tend to struggle with most decisions. (r)
• I believe that orderliness and organization are among the most important characteristics of a good student.
• When considering most conflict situations, I can usually see how both sides could be right. (r)
• I don't like to be with people who are capable of unexpected actions.
• I prefer to socialize with familiar friends because I know what to expect from them.
• I think that I would learn best in a class that lacks clearly stated objectives and requirements. (r)
• When thinking about a problem. I consider as many different opinions on the issue as possible. (r)
• I like to know what people are thinking all the time.
• I dislike it when a person's statement could mean many different things.
• It's annoying to listen to someone who cannot seem to make up his or her mind.
• I find that establishing a consistent routine enables me to enjoy life more.
• I enjoy having a clear and structured mode of life.
• I prefer interacting with people whose opinions are very different from my own. (r)
• I like to have a place for everything and everything in its place.
• I feel uncomfortable when someone's meaning or intention is unclear to me.
• When trying to solve a problem, I often see so many possible options that it's confusing. (r)
• I always see many possible solutions to problems I face. (r)
• I'd rather know bad news than stay in a state of uncertainty.
• I do not usually consult many different opinions before forming my own view.
• I dislike unpredictable situations.
• I dislike the routine aspects of my work (studies). (r).

Full scale items shown. Always cite the original source when using this scale in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Formal validity assessment was not reported by the original authors.

Citation

Houghton, David C. and Rajdeep Grewal (2000), "Please, Let's get an Answer - Any answer: Need for Consumer Cognitive Closure," Psychology & Marketing, 17 (11), 911-934.

Keywords