Need for Cognition and Self-Consciousness in University Students: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This study explored the differences in need for
cognition (NFC) and self-consciousness (SCS) between
genders and between students from the faculties of human and
natural sciences. Additionally, it examined the relationship
between NFC and SCS. The sample of the study consisted of
667 university students. Results showed that there were no
significant differences in need for cognition between males
and females or between the students of human and natural
sciences; however, females had significantly higher levels of
private, public SCS and social anxiety than males. There were
no significant differences between students of human and
natural sciences on all SCS subscales. NFC was found to be
significantly and positively related to each of private and
public SCS, and significantly and negatively related to social
anxiety. There was a stronger association between NFC and
private SCS than between NFC and public SCS and between
NFC and social anxiety. The relationships of NFC with each
of private and public SCS were significantly stronger in males
than in females, and the relationship between NFC and
private SCS was significantly stronger in students of natural
sciences than in students of human sciences.(