Polish adaptation of the Actively Open-Minded Thinking (AOT) questionnaire: Pomiar otwartego i elastycznego myślenia (POEM)

Abstract

Aims The aim of this research was to develop a Polish adaptation of the Actively Open-Minded Thinking (AOT) questionnaire. This questionnaire allows to assess the disposition to flexibly consider different problems from various perspectives, regardless of one’s initially favoured options, as well as the critical attitude in analysing information and forming opinions. Methods The research was conducted among two groups of adult participants. Validity of the AOT scale was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation coefficient analyses between the scale’s results and the measures of need for cognition, need for closure or cognitive reflection. Internal consistency of the Polish adaptation of the AOT scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha measure. Results Polish adaptation of the AOT questionnaire (Pomiar otwartego i elastycznego myślenia; POEM) satisfied the established reliability and validity criteria. Based on the conducted analyses, the instrument was significantly shortened relative to the original version of the AOT scale, with a similar approach seen in past research exploring the optimal item set with highest attainable psychometric properties. Internal consistency indices were sufficiently high and, in line with the researchers’ predictions, the instrument correlated with other measures of corresponding cognitive constructs. Conclusions AOT is a dynamic variable, dependent upon the influence of training or experience. Polish adaptation of the scale measuring the phenomenon is an instrument with promising psychometric properties, worth further investigation. The POEM scale can be valuable in assessing open-minded thinking in educational settings, in research investigating the conditions facilitating social categorisation or radicalisation.