Ideological Open-mindedness is a State-Based Cognitive Style Needed for Critical Thinking: A Scoping Review
Gina Cormier, * Ayse Turkoglu,1 Idil Ozhan, Angran Liu2 Veronica Pascarella and Martin Drapeau
Abstract
Ideological open-mindedness (IOM) is the ability to engage with diverse viewpoints, promoting cognitive flexibility, critical thinking, and reducing polarization. Effective methods for enhancing IOM are still underexplored. This scoping review investigates interventions aimed at improving IOM by analyzing studies from four databases (ERIC, PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science). Articles were included if they tested interventions directly related to IOM. Findings were summarized using tables, figures, a concept map, and a logic model. The search identified 22 studies, with interventions including group workshops and activities that foster perspective-taking and critical thinking. These interventions led to significant and meaningful improvements in IOM, measured through various cognitive and behavioural assessments. Societal contexts and group norms influence IOM, a construct that may be best conceptualized as a dynamic, context-dependent cognitive trait that works in tandem with critical thinking. Further research is needed to standardize IOM measures and assess long-term and cross-context effects.