Affiliation:
1. Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, UK
Abstract
It was hypothesized that training received during formal education fosters the mental mindset of the need to avoid cognitive closure and leads to more efficient information search characteristics. Despite time pressure, consumers collect more unique information, postpone freezing phase, and arrive at better decisions. The assumptions were mostly confirmed, which gives partial evidence to the idea that formal education teaches open-mindedness and increases the adaptation of consumers to the environment rich in the need to engage in complex decisions. The research holds implications for Public Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility strategists.
Funder
Polish Ministry of Science and Education (MNiE) grant
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