need for cognition

a personality trait reflecting a person’s tendency to enjoy engaging in extensive cognitive activity. This trait primarily reflects a person’s motivation to engage in cognitive activity rather than his or her actual ability to do so. Individuals high in need for cognition tend to develop attitudes or take action based on thoughtful evaluation of information. [originally investigated by U.S. psychologists John T. Cacioppo (1951– ) and Richard E. Petty (1951– )]