Levels of Cognitive Complexity: An Approach to the Measurement of Thinking

Abstract

This research monograph describes a new approach to measurement of thinking processes. The author begins with a discussion of logic of thought versus psychology of thinking. Traditionally, thinking has been defined in terms of logical thought processes which lead to warranted conclusions. The psychological processes, on other hand, involve individual's perceptions, intentions and information-processing strategies. Traditional logical approaches appear to be most suitable for analysis of thinking in formal, highly structured problem situations. The authors define information-processing approach to measurement of thinking, which emphasizes way situational information is perceived, selected, organized and interpreted. Using this approach, authors have developed two interpretive exercises, the Holocaust and the bomb factories. The results of a number of studies conducted with these exercises are presented, and future work is projected.