Meta-analytic relations between thinking styles and intelligence

Objective: The current meta-analysis sought to examine the relations of individual differences in intelligence with individual differences in reflective (or rational or analytic) thinking style and intuitive thinking style. Method: Using multiple search strategies, we located 8,425 data sources that we considered for inclusion in the current meta-analysis. The screening of the data sources resulted in 58 independent non-clinical samples with adult participants (N = 15,569). Results: Using Schmidt and Hunter's (2015) meta-analytic procedures, we found a significant positive meta-analytic relation between reflective thinking style and intelligence (rho = 0.274, 95% CI = 0.114 to 0.340) and a nonsignificant negative relation between intuitive thinking style and intelligence (rho = -0.095; 95% CI = -0.203 to 0.013). In addition to the main effects, we reported the results of publication bias tests and moderator analyses. Conclusion: We discussed the results in terms of their contribution and future research directions. Given our results, an important future research direction involves examining the additive (i.e., incremental) and interactive effects of thinking styles and intelligence on important decision-making outcomes (e.g., job performance, health behavior).

Automated summary

This meta-analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between reflective thinking style and intelligence, and a nonsignificant negative relationship between intuitive thinking style and intelligence. Future research directions include examining the impact of thinking styles and intelligence on important decision-making outcomes.