Personality and Prejudice: Exploring the Relationship between Self- monitoring, Need for Cognition, and Intolerance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between self-monitoring, need for cognition, and intolerance. Past research has demonstrated that the more a person enjoys complex thinking (higher need for cognition), the less likely they are to engage in simplifying their thinking in relation to individuals, i.e. exemplifying the principles of social categorization and least effort - and are therefore, less likely to be prejudiced/intolerant. The current study hypothesized that self-monitoring (social adaptation level) would be positively related to need for cognition, due to the voluntary investment of cognitive effort high self-monitors exhibit in addressing and interacting with their social audiences and environments. Need for cognition was hypothesized to be negatively related to intolerance and would ultimately mediate the relationship between self-monitoring and intolerance. Two hundred thirteen undergraduate psychology students participated in an online survey designed to gauge each participants’ self- monitoring, need for cognition, intolerance, and social desirability levels. This study’s investigation into the relationships between self-monitoring, need for cognition, and intolerance revealed a strong link between self-monitoring and need for cognition and provided partial support for a mediating relationship between the variables. The results present an opportunity for future research into the relationship between personality and prejudice.