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Impulsivity/Reflexivity |
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| Impulsivity/reflectivity is also referred to as
cognitive tempo. Reflectivity is the tendency to inhibit responses and reflect on an answer before responding. Impulsivity is the tendency to respond quickly without thinking about the answer. Being unable to resist temptation is another indicator. Techniques such as brainstorming which are supposed to encourage creativity also encourage impulsivity. One study found a greater variability of performance in individuals who were characterized as high impulsives, using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. All students, both low and high impulsives, performed better in the evening than the morning. (See Lawrence, J.B. & Stanford, M.S. [1999]. Impulsivity and time of day: Effects on performance and cognitive tempo. Personality and Individual Differences 26, 199-207.) Having synchronous events take place in the evening may be better for performance. But asynchronous computer-mediated communication is especially good at encouraging reflectivity. Students can have as much time as they like before having to record their answers to a question or problem. Chat rooms will encourage impulsivity, but are useful for situations in which thinking quickly without self-criticism is an asset. |