Individual differences in tolerance for contradiction

Abstract

This article introduces and provides validity evidence for the new individual difference construct of tolerance for contradiction, defined as a mode of thinking that accepts and even thrives on apparent bivalent logical contradictions. In Study 1, which used a sample of 198 undergraduates, convergent and discriminant validity evidence for tolerance for contradiction were obtained via associations with a set of established variables. In Study 2, further validity evidence was obtained and the relevance of tolerance for contradiction in the workplace was demonstrated using a sample of 142 prison officers. Tolerance for contradiction was found to interact with situational judgment ability to affect job performance in the manner as hypothesized. The findings on the nature of the interaction supported the argument that tolerance for thinking may be either adaptive or maladaptive. Limitations and implications of the studies as well as future research directions on the construct of tolerance for contradiction were discussed.