Conditional Reasoning as a Theoretical Perspective on Personality

Abstract

Conditional reasoning is a useful way to assess the implicit aspects of personality. Unfortunately, a limited number of conditional reasoning tests have been developed to measure different personality dimensions. While work exists that attempts to explain the measurement system of conditional reasoning, fewer works attempt to explain the theory that underlies conditional reasoning. The lack of a theoretical description of conditional reasoning may be why researchers have not developed many new conditional reasoning tests. We reviewed conditional reasoning research and contacted authors who have successfully developed conditional reasoning measures to understand better the theory that undergirds conditional reasoning. We identify and present eight foundational assumptions to explain the theory that underlies conditional reasoning. By sharing these assumptions and associated implications, we aim to spur further development of conditional reasoning tests.

Plain Language Summary Title:

A Description of a Theory, Conditional Reasoning, on Individual Differences in the Unconscious Parts of Personality

Plain language summary: Conditional reasoning is a method used for measurement of personality. Because conditional reasoning measures are effective but not very popular, the authors undertook an effort to better describe the theory of conditional reasoning. Conditional reasoning is more than a measurement system. The limited theoretical description of conditional reasoning may be a reason that researchers do not use conditional reasoning. The authors found eight assumptions that help form the theory of conditional reasoning. Five of the eight assumptions describe the model of personality that underlies conditional reasoning. The remaining three assumptions provide additional details that link implications of the theory of conditional reasoning to the model. Overall, the theory of conditional reasoning, previously underdescribed, links to well-known theories of decision-making and human perception. Overall, the model of personality provided by conditional reasoning gives important and useful detail regarding the specific ways in which personality affects decision-making. These decisions affect behavioral choices and life outcomes. Based on this model, individuals make choices that they believe are rational and wellreasoned even though those choices are driven by their personality and may not be entirely logical or well supported. The additional detail provided in this paper could help other researchers to develop their own conditional reasoning measures.