The reflective–impulsive cognitive style describes two distinct approaches to information processing and decision-making. Reflective individuals tend to take their time, carefully considering different options before responding. In contrast, impulsive individuals react quickly, often relying on intuition and immediate impressions.
This concept is not just academically fascinating—it has real-world implications in education, behavior, decision-making, and mental health. Understanding where someone falls on this spectrum can provide insight into their learning preferences, social interactions, and even susceptibility to cognitive biases.
During my studies at the University of East Sarajevo, I was introduced to this construct through coursework and discussions on dual-process theories. However, I wanted to go a step further. I embarked on a research project focused on the development and validation of a new scale for measuring reflective–impulsive cognitive style in young adults. This involved reviewing existing literature, designing test items, conducting data collection, and analyzing the psychometric properties of the scale.
The process helped me expand not only my statistical and research skills but also my understanding of how individual differences shape the way we perceive and respond to the world.
This topic remains central to my academic and professional interests, especially as I continue to explore how cognitive styles interact with irrational beliefs, decision-making processes, and mental health outcomes.