Do you prefer order over ambiguity? Do you often find it necessary to come to definitive conclusions?
According to a new study, your answer may have something to do with what you read.
A trio of University of Toronto scholars, led by psychologist Maja Djikic, report that people who have just read a short story have less need for what psychologists call “cognitive closure.” Compared with peers who have just read an essay, they expressed more comfort with disorder and uncertainty—attitudes that allow for both sophisticated thinking and greater creativity.
While nonfiction certainly has its place, often providing insight and perspective, any excuse to buy more fiction is a good one.
