The Open and Closed Mind: Investigations into the Nature of Belief Systems and Personality Systems
This 2015 reprint faithfully reproduces the 1960 edition of Milton Rokeach's groundbreaking psychological study. Not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software, this full facsimile edition preserves the original text in its entirety.
Research-Based Analysis of Belief Systems
Based on intensive empirical studies, this work examines the fundamental nature of prejudice and dogmatic thinking. Rokeach's research methodology probes how individuals construct and organize their belief systems, revealing the intricate connections between patterns of belief and underlying personality structure.
Key Areas of Investigation
The book explores the psychological mechanisms behind closed-mindedness and dogmatism. It investigates how belief systems form, maintain themselves, and resist change. The research examines both the cognitive and emotional components that contribute to rigid thinking patterns and prejudiced attitudes.
Academic Context and Influence
This work follows in the intellectual tradition established by Erich Fromm's "Escape from Freedom" and Adorno's "The Authoritarian Personality." It represents a significant contribution to social psychology, personality theory, and the study of cognitive processes related to belief formation.
Psychological Frameworks Examined
Rokeach's analysis provides frameworks for understanding dogmatism as a personality characteristic distinct from specific ideological content. The research distinguishes between open and closed cognitive systems, examining how these systems process information, handle contradictions, and respond to new evidence.
Applications in Social Psychology
The findings have applications across multiple domains including discrimination studies, critical thinking development, and understanding personality disorders. The work remains relevant for researchers and students examining the psychological foundations of intolerance and rigid thinking patterns.
Publication Details
Published by Martino Fine Books in May 2015, this paperback edition makes Rokeach's essential research accessible to contemporary readers. The facsimile reproduction ensures the original content, including all data, tables, and analytical frameworks, remains intact and unaltered.
