Personality and Self-regulation as Determinants of Rational Decision Making in a Political Voting Situation

• Main Authors: Tatiana A. Indina, Varvara I. Morosanova
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University 2009-01-01
• Series: Psychology in Russia: State of Art
• Subjects: decision making; choice; rationality; emotionality; self-regulation; personality traits; psychological determinants; typology.
• Online Access: http://psychologyinrussia.com/volumes/pdf/2009/03_2009_morsanova_indina.pdf

The association of self-regulation and personality factors with rational decision making was investigated using an experimental model of political voting. The results revealed different sets of personality characteristics for rational and emotional voters. A self-regulation/personality typology of decision making was then constructed, and traits representing self-regulation, cognition, and personality were examined as predispositions toward rational decision making. As a result, specific connections among these variables were uncovered, through which the primary role of the conscious self-regulation system in the management of rational decision making in a political voting context was established.