Continuous or Dichotomous Scales? Holistic and Analytic Thinking Styles Influence Response Fluency to Different Scale Formats and Trait-Consistent Behavior.

Personality scales use response formats ranging from dichotomous to continuous. Understanding how individuals respond to these formats is crucial for interpreting the consequences of those responses. This research examines the moderating role of holistic-analytic thinking style on the impact of response formats on fluency and subsequent behavioral outcomes. Across multiple personality scales and methodological approaches (N = 3,636), holistic (vs. analytic) thinkers experienced greater fluency with continuous (vs. dichotomous) scales. This effect was observed with measured and manipulated thinking styles (Studies 1 and 2) and replicated using cultural groups as a proxy (Study 3). We also explored psychological discomfort as a mechanism. A 3-point (Study 4) and a 6-point scale (Study 5) also elicited fluency among holistic individuals. Finally, matching thinking styles with scale formats affected behavioral intentions (Study 5) and behavior (Study 6). Our research indicates that choosing response formats should consider factors beyond psychometric properties, including cultural and individual differences.