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Jumping to conclusions predicts truncated searches even in uncongenial contexts.

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Title: Jumping to conclusions predicts truncated searches even in uncongenial contexts.
Authors: Hillman, James G. (AUTHOR), Burrows, Brooke (AUTHOR), Hauser, David J. (AUTHOR)
Source: Thinking & Reasoning. May2026, Vol. 32 Issue 2, p213-234. 22p.
Subjects: Information-seeking behavior, Cognitive bias, Defense mechanisms (Psychology), Human information processing, Cognitive psychology, Individual differences
Abstract: Jumping to conclusions (JTC) is the tendency to reach a conclusion after reviewing only minimal evidence. However, research on the ways in which this individual difference functions in motivated and unmotivated contexts is mixed. In the present research, we investigated whether JTC would predict evidence search in a context where defensive motivated processing is likely to emerge. In Study 1 participants (N = 383) completed a JTC measure then engaged in an iterative search for information to evaluate a gun-control non-profit. In Study 2 we conceptually replicated Study 1 with Democrat and Republican non-profits. Both studies found main effects of defensive processing and JTC but no interaction between predictors, suggesting that JTC is not due to lack of motivation. Defensive motivation increases search length for those high in JTC; however motivation is not sufficient to close the gap between high and low JTC individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Jumping to conclusions (JTC) is the tendency to reach a conclusion after reviewing only minimal evidence. However, research on the ways in which this individual difference functions in motivated and unmotivated contexts is mixed. In the present research, we investigated whether JTC would predict evidence search in a context where defensive motivated processing is likely to emerge. In Study 1 participants (N = 383) completed a JTC measure then engaged in an iterative search for information to evaluate a gun-control non-profit. In Study 2 we conceptually replicated Study 1 with Democrat and Republican non-profits. Both studies found main effects of defensive processing and JTC but no interaction between predictors, suggesting that JTC is not due to lack of motivation. Defensive motivation increases search length for those high in JTC; however motivation is not sufficient to close the gap between high and low JTC individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:13546783
DOI:10.1080/13546783.2025.2536581