Behavioral information search by indecisives

This research examined the behavioral processes by which individual differe nces in indecision may be reflected in decision-making situations. In Exper iment 1, using an information board paradigm, indecisives compared to decis ives searched less information and shifted less often among dimensions unde r a high cognitive load (distracter) condition. In Experiment 2, compared t o decisives, indecisives demonstrated more intra- and fewer inter-dimension al shifts while searching the information board under a high cognitive load condition, thereby focusing their search. Indecisives also reported lower self-confidence and greater anxiety in the high cognitive load condition. T hese studies demonstrate that indecision-prone individuals tend to use a te chnique adapted as an avoidance strategy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.