CONTENTS

List of Tables...................................................................................................(ⅱ)

Abstract

Chapter 1. Introduction.....................................................................................1

1.1 Context of the Study...................................................................1

1.2 Need and Significance of the Study............................................5

1.3 Aim of the Study.........................................................................6

Chapter 2. Review of Literature........................................................................7

2.1 Theoretical Review.....................................................................7

2.2 Review of Related Literature......................................................9

2.3 Research Gap..............................................................................11

2.4 Research Question......................................................................11

Chapter 3 Method.............................................................................................12

3.1 Objectives...................................................................................12

3.2 Variables and Operational Definitions.......................................12

3.3 Hypotheses.................................................................................14

3.4 Sample........................................................................................14

3.5 Assessment Tools....................................................................... 15

3.6 Research Design.........................................................................15

3.7 Data Collection...........................................................................16

3.8 Statistical Techniques.................................................................16

Chapter 4. Result and Discussion.....................................................................18

4.1 Result .........................................................................................18

4.2 Discussion...................................................................................19

Chapter 5. Summary and Conclusion................................................................23

5.1 Conclusion................................................................................23

5.2 Implications..............................................................................23

5.3 Limitations................................................................................24
 5.4 Suggestions...............................................................................25

References…………………………………………………………………......26

Appendices
 LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title of the Table Page No.

1 Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient Between 18

Comprehensive Thinking Styles and Altruism

 Abstract

Young adulthood is a time of many transitions, including choices on school, careers, and

relationships with others. It becomes more and more important to maintain good mental

health during this period of transition. The prime focus of this study was to examine the

association of comprehensive thinking styles and altruism among young adults in Kerala.

A sample of 200 young adults were selected using the convenience sampling technique

from various colleges in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. The data

collected was analyzed based on a correlational research design using SPSS. Self report

Altruism Scale (SRT and Comprehensive thinking Questionnaire (CTSQ) were used

among young adults respectively. Although there is no statistical significance between any

of subscales with altruism there is a slight correlation will intuitive thinking.Further

studies with a bigger sample size are needed. This study provided a new avenue for

understanding the relationship between comprehensive thinking styles and altruism young

adulthood population in Kerala.

 Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1.The Context of the Study

Emerging adulthood is a new stage of life that usually lasts from the ages of 18 to

25 and is situated between adolescence and early adulthood. Experiencing a state halfway

between youth and maturity, developing one’s identity, self-focus, instability, and a sense

of boundless possibilities are the five traits that distinguish emerging adulthood .Emerging

adulthood is an age of feeling in-between, since most of them consider they are neither

fully adult nor adolescents anymore (Arnett, 1998, 2001).Because emerging people

typically see this as an optimistic time in their lives, with a wide choice of potential

spouses, professional opportunities, social causes, and other commitments regarded as

being available, it is known as the age of possibilities.

The period of emerging adulthood is characterized by several characteristics that

set it apart from adolescence and young adulthood. These include an age of identity

development, especially in relation to various lifestyle options, career opportunities, and

romantic opportunities. This is the age of extreme self-focus (skill development and self-

sufficiency), of feeling in-between (belonging in between ages), of instability (changing

choices in life and residence shifts), of possibilities (with opportunities to make dreams

come true and an unparalleled chance for improving lives).

Unlike any other developmental phase in life, emerging adulthood is stage of life

when people undergo the most transformations and changes in their life development.

According to Elder and Shanahan (2006), the most frequent changes and difficulties that

arise during the transition from youth to adulthood are those related to relationships,

changes in residence status, finishing school, starting a family, and becoming a parent. In
contrast to discontent and dissatisfaction, the completion of developmental activities

during these stages leads to life satisfaction (Salmela-Aro, et al., 2016).

1.1.1 Comprehensive Thinking

The concept of comprehensive thinking style was developed by Christie Newton,

Justin Feeney & Gordon Pennycook and has evolved from the amalgamation of multiple

thinking style scales.Researchers have explored various dimensions of thinking styles,

recognizing that individuals approach problems, make decisions, and process information

in diverse ways. Comprehensive thinking style emerges as a holistic framework that

integrates and synthesizes insights from these distinct thinking style scales.

The comprehensive thinking styles is a cognitive approach emphasizing the

integration of multiple perspectives and unfolds through key subscales. Close mindedness

characterizes a hesitancy to embrace alternative viewpoints, often leading to a dismissal of

perspectives that challenge existing beliefs. In contrast, open mindedness embodies

receptivity to new ideas, promoting flexibility and adaptability in cognitive processes.

When analyzing decision-making preferences within the context of a

comprehensive thinking style, an effortful thinking preference is characterized by a

methodical, deliberate approach to complicated challenges that takes into account a wide

range of elements and requires in-depth examination. On the other hand, an inclination

toward intuitive thinking demonstrates a dependence on snap decisions and gut instincts,

recognizing the significance of intuition in the process of making decisions.

Finding a balance between open-mindedness and closed-mindedness, as well as

between intentional and intuitive thinking, reveals the many facets of a comprehensive

thinking style and offers important insights into the cognitive preferences of an individual.

1.1.2 Altruism

An act is usually referred to as altruistic behavior when it is motivated by the

desire to assist someone else for their own benefit. The French philosopher and sociologist
Auguste Comte (1798–1857) coined the term altruism. He defined it as selfless concern

for the well-being of others. Egoism, which is unsociable, egocentric, and selfish behavior,

is the antithesis of altruism. His writings place a great deal of emphasis on the growth of

“sympathetic instincts” as opposed to egoistic ones.

The term altruism has a genetic foundation according to the technical language of

evolutionary biology (Wilson, 1975). It suggests that because altruism boosts the genetic

fitness of the kind. The term refers to an organism’s actions that increase their chances of

surviving, either themselves or their offspring’s, in favor of other members of the species.

Modeling, nurture (social), number of bystanders, affect(situational), responsibility taking,

role/perspective taking and norms (cognitive) are some of the determinants of altruism.

When an action is driven by the desire to help someone else for their own sake, it is

typically referred to as altruistic behaviour. The phrase is used in opposition to terms such

as “self- interested,” “selfish,” or “egoistic,” which describe actions driven only by the

desire to further one’s own interests. On the other hand, the term is occasionally applied

more widely to actions that beneficial to others, regardless of their motivation. There are

certain non-human. Animal species that exhibit altruism in this wide sense; mother bears,

for instance, risk. Their lives to defend their offspring from harm.

1.2. Need and Significance of the Study

Determining the complex relationship between altruism and cognitive patterns

turns out to be an interesting research project with broad outcome. By revealing the

intricate interactions between personal thought processes and altruistic tendency, this

investigation has the potential to provide significant insights into the cognitive foundations

of prosocial conduct.

To better understand the motivational forces behind acts of compassion, empathy,

and collaboration, it is imperative to investigate the ways in which various thinking types
impact altruism. This information has useful applications across a range of fields in

addition to advancing scholarly understanding of human behavior.

The field of education can benefit from such study by creating customized

curricula based on understandings of the relationship between cognitive patterns and

altruism. These programs can develop cognitive abilities like empathy, critical thinking,

and a thorough approach to problem-solving, which will help to raise a generation of

people who are more likely to act in a prosocial manner.

Additionally, the study directly relates to interpersonal dynamics. Through

investigating the complex connections between cognitive tendency and altruistic

behaviors, scientists can provide insight into how different ways of thinking affect the

caliber of relationships. This knowledge is essential for building strong relationships and

promoting social peace.

1.3. Aim of the Study

The aim of this study is to asses the relationship between comprehensive thinking

styles and altruism among young emerging adults .

 Chapter 2

Review of Literature

2.1. Theoretical Review

2.1.1. Comprehensive Thinking

Gross's comprehensive thinking styles refers to the variety of techniques and

mental. Operations people use to evaluate information, draw conclusions, and solve

problems. It consists of four different kinds of thinking: effortful thinking, closed-minded.

Thinking, open-minded thinking, and intuitive thinking. Being closed-minded is defined as

being reluctant to accept different points of view, which frequently results In the rejection

of ideas that contradict pre-existing convictions. On the other hand, open-mindedness

fosters cognitive processes’ flexibility and adaptability by embodying sensitivity to new

ideas. A thoughtful, methodical approach to difficult problems that includes careful study

and evaluation of numerous variables is a sign of effortful thinking. In contrast, a

preference for intuitive thinking recognizes the importance of intuition in decision-making

but also demonstrates a dependence on Snap decisions and gut instincts. The first theory of

cognition includes Piaget theory of cognitive development which consist of 4 stages such

as sensorimotor stage (birth to 2 years), pre-Operational stage (2 to 7 years), concrete

operational stage (7 to 12 years), formal operational stage (from 11 years and above).

Sullivan’s concept of modes of thinking suggest that there are three models of

thinking such as prototaxic, parataxic, syntaxic. The prototaxic is characterized by the

capacity of an individual to experience the world as a collection of disjointed feelings.

Parataxic refers to the capacity of an individual to view the universe as a sequence of

cause-and-effect connections and lastly the syntaxic which refers to a person’s capacity for

rational and logical perception of the outside environment.

Bruner’s theory proposes of three models of representation such as enactive,

symbolic and iconic. In enactive mode of representation, it is defined by an individual’s

capacity to demonstrate knowledge via behavior. Symbolic mode of representation refers

to the capacity to express knowledge through symbols is what defines representation.

Iconic refers to the capacity of a person to convey information through pictures.

The psychoanalytic theory of thinking proposes three level of consciousness such

as conscious, preconscious and unconscious. The conscious level refers to a person’s

awareness of their thoughts and feelings. Preconscious or subconscious refers to the

capacity of an individual to access ideas and emotions that are not presently accessible to

them and unconscious refers to the incapacity of a person to access suppressed or

forgotten ideas and feelings.

2.1.2. Altruism

Relational to different forms of prosocial action, altruism is a social and interpersonal

term. A common definition of altruism is an action taken with the aim of Assisting

another, though this might vary based on the profession. In other words, while

psychologists are interested in comprehending the motive behind a behavior, biologists

and evolutionary scientists frequently concentrate on the advantages of a given behavior.

An act of altruism reduces the genetic contribution or fitness of one individual while

boosting the fitness of another, as seen from a biological or evolutionary standpoint. In

psychological study, the motivational state of altruism is defined as one in which an

individual seeks to improve the wellbeing of another individual. Therefore, egoism, which

is the drive to maximize profits, opposes altruism. Egoism, or the desire to maximize

one’s own prosperity, is thus in opposition to altruism.

 There are certain theories associated with altruism, The empathy-altruism theory

which focuses on empathy, which is our capacity to experience other’s emotional states,

feel sympathetic towards them and take their perspective. This theory propose that at least

some prosocial acts are motivated solely by the desire to help someone in need. Such

motivation can be sufficiently strong that the helper is willing to engage in unpleasant,

dangerous and even life threatening activities. Compassion for other people may

outweigh all other consideration(Goetz, Keltner, &Simon-Thomas, 2010).

The negative-state relief which is a second theory of motivation which puts forward

that we assist in helping because it lessens our own unpleasant emotions, not because we

are concerned about the well-being of the other person, comprehend their feelings, and

share them. To put differently, we act morally to overcome negative emotions. It might be

upsetting to realize that people are suffering or, more generally, to see people who are in

need. we assist others in order to lessen our own discomfort.

The empathetic joy hypothesis view suggest that helpers are motivated to engage in

helping behavior because they enjoy the positive reactions shown by others whom they

help. An important implication of this idea is that it is crucial for the person who helps to

know that his actions had a positive back on the victim. Research findings support the

general proposal that one reason individuals engaged in prosocial behaviour is that doing

by sue makes them feel happier. The competitive altruism approach suggest that one

important reason that people due to the fact that it increases their reputation and status as

a result it brings Them a huge benefits, once that more offset the cost of engaging in

prosocial actions. Often helping others is costly and this suggests two other people that

individuals who engage in such behaviour has desirable personal qualities type of people

society wants to have around. Research findings show that people engage in prosocial

behaviour which boost their social status, especially the ones that bring public recognition.
 There is an different theoretical approach in understanding prosocial behaviour which

is the kin selection theory which suggests that people help others to whom they are closely

related than those who are not closely related. Research studies was conducted in which

participants were asked whom they would choose to help in an emergency, the participants

are more likely to choose a close relative than a distant relative.

Another view of altruism suggest that people help others not just because of primary

objective to help but rather to put them down in subtle ways to reduce the threat to in

group status. Helping does not stem from empathy or positive reactions to joy rather it’s an

selfish motive. When a group who is more superior seek the help of lower group, it would

make the lower group to engage in prosocial actions as it would give them a view that the

superior groups are being dependent on them, making them incompetent.

2.2. Review of Related Literature

2.2.1 Review of Related to Comprehensive Thinking

George et al. (2023) conducted a study on “The relationship between conformity

and comprehensive thinking styles among emerging adults”. A total of 145 samples were

taken for the study among the emerging adults . The conformity scale and the

comprehensive thinking style questionnaire (CTSQ) were the tools used in this study. The

results demonstrated a strong positive correlation between conformity and comprehensive

thinking approaches. Additionally, the results indicated a positive link between conformity

and the preference for effortful thinking, one of the subscales of comprehensive thinking

styles.

2.2.2 Review of Related to Altruism

Liu et al. (2022) conducted a study on “The effects of loving-kindness meditation

of employees mindfulness, affect, altruism and knowledge hiding”. A total of 100 workers

were chosen at random from a knowledge-based company in china and placed in two
groups: the control group (n = 50) and the LKM training group (n = 50) for eight weeks,

the LKM training group received LKM training, but the control group did not. Before

(pre-test) and after (post-test) the LKM training intervention, seven major factors

(mindfulness, altruism positive affect, negative affect, playing dumb, reasoned hiding, and

evasive hiding) were measured. The self-report altruism scale (SRAS) and the mindful

attention awareness scale (MAAS) was the tools used in this study. The results showed

that the LKM intervention had greatly increased participants altruism and greatly reduced

negative effect, playing dumb and evasive hiding but there was no significant

improvement in mindfulness, positive affect and rationalized hiding

Atabaeva (2019) conducted a study on “Psychological factors affecting the

development of altruism in humans”. The study was done on 232 students of 8th and 10th

grade students. The tools for the study consisted of scale of altruism-egoism, developed by

O.F. Potemkina, A Subjective questionnaire for local observation by E. F. Bazhin, S.

A.Golynkin, A. M. Etkind. The results of the study demonstrated the impact of certain

personal traits, such as empathy, emotional intelligence, and subjective local control, on

the expression of altruism; the role of age in the emergence and manifestation of altruism

is discussed; the efficacy of a psychocorrectional program designed to enhance

personality-motivated behavior was examined and evaluated.

Egilmez and Thincknell (2017) conducted a study on “Altruism and popularity”.

The mechanical TURK website was used to recruit 120 volunteers for the study, 51 Of

whom were female and 69 of whom were male. Participants’ geographic options were

restricted and they had to be US citizens. The age range of the participants was 18 to 65

years old . An further constraint imposed on vulnerable communities was the age of

participants. The instruments included vignettes, a demographics questionnaire, a

manipulation check, and a popularity assessment. The popularity, likability, and empathy

qualities were found to be strongly correlated with helpful acts. Results suggest that people

who demonstrate helpful behaviors and thankfulness are rated higher on a variety of
positive attributes. The distinctive finding of the study is that appreciation and compassion

are both extremely effective tools in interpersonal relationships.

Weng et al. (2015) conducted a study on “The role of compassion in altruistic

helping and punishment behavior” adult participants from Madison, Wisconsin, in the

United States of America were chosen for study 1. Independent samples were collected for

the punishment game and the helping game. Following the recruitment of 143 participants

for the punishment game, 132 individuals (50 males and 82 females) produced useful data.

Out of the139 individuals that took part in the helping game, 136 individuals (54 men and

82 Women) generated meaningful data. In research 2, adult participants were chosen from

Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States. Those who participated in a previous study on

compassion training and altruistic redistribution make up the participants. Between the

ages of 18 and 45, the participants were healthy adult right-handed individuals who had

never before employed cognitive behavioral therapy or meditation. Investigation on the

relationship between compassion and subtypes of altruistic behaviour behaviour using

third party paradigms were done in which participants witnessed an unfair economic

exchange between a transgressor and victim and had the opportunity to either spend

personal funds to either economically help the victim or punish the transgressor.

Compared to an active reappraisal training control group, the compassion training group

gave more to help the victim and did not differ in the punishment of transgressor.

Together, these two studies suggest that compassion is related to greater altruistic helping

of victims and is not associated with or may mitigate altruistic punishment of

transgressors.

2.3 Research Gap

The majority of study on the variables comprehensive thinking styles and altruism

was conducted in western countries, according to the survey of related literature presented

above. Therefore, studies based on these characteristics must be carried out in India. It’s
also important to keep in mind that research on the relationship between Comprehensive

thinking styles and altruism has not been conducted. As a result, this work may serve as a

starting point for more studies in this area.

2.4 Research Question

Is there any significant relationship between comprehensive thinking styles and

altruism among emerging adults?

Chapter 3

Method

3.1. Objectives

To study the relationship between comprehensive thinking styles and altruism

among emerging adults.

3.2. Variables and Operational Definitions

3.2.1. Theoretical Definitions

3.2.1.1. Comprehensive Thinking Styles. Christie Newton states that

comprehensive thinking styles involve analytical and integrative cognitive

approaches that prioritize thorough examination and independent evaluation of

information.

3.2.1.2. Altruism. Auguste Comte, a French philosopher and writer, first

used the term altruism, which is derived from the word "autrui," in 1852. Altruism is

the act of a human being acting in a selfless manner without giving any thought to

the results.

3.2.2. Operational definitions

3.2.2.1 . Comprehensive Thinking Styles. A cognitive method known as

comprehensive thinking style is defined as having the capacity to thoroughly grasp

or resolve a situation or problem by analysing, evaluating, and integrating different

viewpoints, facts, and variables.

3.2.2.2. Altruism. Altruism is a way of thinking or acting that is defined by an

unselfish care for the happiness and well-being of others. It is frequently demonstrated

by deeds that are done for the benefit of others without expecting anything in return.

3.3. Hypotheses

3.3.1. There will be significant relationship between open-minded thinking and

altruism.

3.3.2. There will be no significant relationship between close-minded thinking and

altruism.

3.3.3. There will be significant relationship between intuitive thinking and

altruism.

3.3.4. There will be significant relationship between effortful thinking and altruism.

3.4. Sample

The sample of the study consisted of 200 participants within the age group of

18 to 25. The sample were selected from various colleges of Kerala from the districts

of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. The samples were selected using

convenience sampling.

3.4.1. Inclusion Criteria

3.4.1.1. The participants included in the study were emerging adults within the age

range of 18 to 25 years old.

3.4.1.2. Only College educated males and females were included in the study.

3.4.2. Exclusion Criteria

3.4.2.1. Individuals who were married and currently doing a job were excluded.

3.4.2.2. People who fall in the other category such as Transgender, non-binary, or

those who have the other gender identity were excluded from the study.

3.4.2.3. Individuals with disability were also excluded from the study.

3.5. Assessment Tools

3.5.1. Comprehensive Thinking Styles Questionnaire (CTSQ)

The Comprehensive Thinking Styles Questionnaire (CTSQ) was developed

by Newton et al.in 2021. It is a 24-item scale and this scale consists of 4 subscale.

The items of the CTSQ are rated on a 6-point Likert scale wherein the participants

choose from responses ranging from “strongly disagree to strongly agree”. Actively

open- minded is assessed by items 1 to 6. Close-minded is assessed by items 7 to 12.

Intuitive thinking is assessed by items 13 to 18. Finally, Effortful thinking is

assessed by items 19 to 24. The items which belong to the subscales of open

mindedness and effortful thinking is scored reversely. The subscales had good

reliability and also the findings show that all of the subscales have excellent

predictive validity.

3.5.2. Self-Report Altruism Scale (9-SRA Scale)

The Self-Report Altruism Scale (9-SRA Scale) was developed by Rushton et

al. in 1981. This scale is a simplified version of the original scale which consist of 20

items. There are 9 items with 5 response options: Never, Rarely, Sometimes,

Frequently and Always. Each item is scored from 1 to 5 respectively. The 9-SRA

shows adequate reliability and validity and represents a more economical instrument

to assess altruism and for use in empirical studies focused on human and prosocial

behavior. SRA Validity (Chi-squared =6.337, df = 1, p-value = 0.012). These results

provide evidence that the 9-SRA scale has predictive validity, significantly impacting

donation behavior. The reliability of the 9-SRA in this study (0.77) is very similar to
the simulated reliability computed with the information of the original Rushton et al.

study, assuming that the scale is reduced to nine items, which is 0.78 (reduced from

the original 0.89 with a 20-item scale).

3.6. Research Design

The research design used in this study is correlational design. Correlational

research designs examine the correlations between variables without including any

control or manipulation on the part of the researcher. A correlation shows how

strongly and/or in which direction two or more variables are related to one another. A

correlation's direction could be either positive or negative. Positive correlation

denotes a direction of change shared by both variables. When there is a negative

correlation, the variables change in the opposite ways. Zero correlation denotes the

absence of any association between the variables.

3.7. Data Collection Procedure

For the purpose of data collection various colleges across the districts of

Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha were visited after seeking their permission.

The process began with the participant's consent by giving them a consent form. After

that they were asked to fill in the necessary socio demographic details. Before

collecting data, rapport was established with the participants, and the following

instructions were provided. “Please carefully read each statement before responding,

using the first thought that occurs to you. There is no correct or incorrect response.

Please complete the questionnaire without omitting any statements. You are free to

leave this task whenever you feel like doing it. Please provide the answers without

hesitation and be honest. The responses and the details collected will be kept

confidential and will be used only for academic purposes.” Following the instructions,

the participants were asked to fill in the questionnaires. The collected data were

analyzed using SPSS.

3.8. Statistical Technique

The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 25. SPSS (Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences), also known as IBM SPSS Statistics, is a software package

used for the analysis of statistical data. It offers a wide range of statistical procedures,

including descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, regression analysis, and factor

analysis. SPSS can be used to run inferential tests and descriptive tests. In this study

inferential statistical method were used to analyze the data. Inferential statistics are

often used to compare the differences between the treatment groups. Inferential

statistics use measurements from the sample of subjects in the experiment to compare

the treatment groups and make generalizations about the larger population of subjects.

In the present study Spearman’s Rank Coefficient of correlation were used to analyze

the relationship between the variables. The Spearman’s rank coefficient of correlation

is a nonparametric measure of rank correlation. It measures the strength and direction

of the association between two ranked variables.

 Chapter 4

Result And Discussion

4.1.Result

Table 1

The Spearman Rho correlation of the variables Altruism and Comprehensive Thinking

Style with its sub-types Open-minded thinking, Close-minded thinking, Preference for

Intuitive thinking, Preference for Effortful thinking among emerging adults

Variables Open Close Intuitive Effortful

Minded Minded Thinking Thinking

Thinking Thinking

Altruism r-value .004 -.014 .109 .009

p-value .961 .848 .123 .903

The research focuses on the correlation between altruism and comprehensive

thinking styles among emerging adults.Conducted solely as a correlation study, our research

offers insights into understanding the interplay between cognitive processes and altruism

among young individuals of 200 participants. The method

Table 1 shows the Spearman Rho correlation of the variables Altruism and

Comprehensive Thinking Style with its sub-types Open-minded thinking, Close-minded

thinking, Preference for Intuitive thinking, Preference for Effortful thinking among

emerging adults. The correlation coefficients for altruism with open-mindedness is .004 and
p-value is .961, The correlation coefficients for altruism with closed-minded is -.014 and p-

value is .848. The correlation coefficients for altruism with preference for intuitive thinking

is .109 and p-value is .903. The correlation coefficients for altruism with preference for

effortful thinking is .009 and p-value is .903. The correlation coefficients for altruism with

Comprehensive Thinking Style Questionnaire (CTQ) is .040 and p-value is .582

respectively.

4.2.Discussion

Our research delves into the correlation between comprehensive thinking styles,

encompassing subscales such as open-minded, close-minded, intuitive, and effortful

thinking, and altruism among emerging adults. With a focus on a sample of 200 students

from various colleges in Kerala, our study seeks to unravel the relationship between

cognitive processing patterns and prosocial behaviour(reword)in this emerging adults.

Through this exploration, our study aims to shed light on the underlying mechanisms

shaping altruistic tendencies in emerging adulthood, contributing to a deeper understanding

of cognitive influences on social behaviours.

The results indicate that there is almost no correlation between open-minded

thinking and altruism, and is also insignificant. Thus the alternative hypothesis, “There will

be a significant relationship between open-minded thinking and altruism” is rejected.

Although having an open mind would help you see the bigger picture, it would still not be

enough to influence altruistic behaviour in one. Therefore having an open mind would not

influence a person's behaviour to be altruistic in nature.

The results indicate that there is almost no correlation betweenClose-minded

thinking and altruism, although being a very minute negative correlation, it is also

insignificant. Thus the alternative hypothesis, “There will be no significant relationship

between close-minded thinking and altruism” is accepted. With the intention that close-

minded people would prevent themselves from thinking anything beyond their cognition
pattern would either promote or demote altruism depending on their learning from parenting

styles and social settings. According to the above result, we can conclude that there is no

correlation between them but although being a very minute correlation, it is a negative

correlation, indicating that it is inversely proportional to having altruistic behaviour.

From the study, the results indicate that there is a slight positive correlation between

preference for intuitive thinking and altruism, it is also insignificant. Thus the alternative

hypothesis, “There will be no significant relationship between preference for intuitive

thinking and altruism” is rejected. Intuitive thinking can also be seen as ‘gut feeling’.

Intuition comes from patterns we've identified in our past experiences. The subconscious

mind continuously processes information that we are not consciously aware of, not only

when we're asleep but also when we're awake. Seeing patterns of similar situations that have

happened before can influence our thoughts and behaviour. It can be influenced by

parenting styles and social or external environment. Being a positive correlation, it indicates

that preference for intuition thinking promotes altruism, thereby suggesting that individuals

have had past experience influencing their behaviour to be altruistic in nature.

The results for the relationship between the preference for effortful thinking and

altruism indicate that there is almost no correlation, although being positive in nature. it is

also insignificant. Thus the alternative hypothesis, “There will be a significant relationship

between preference for effortful thinking and altruism” is rejected. Effortful thinking is like

forceful thinking, therefore forcing oneself to have a particular cognition at the moment. It

is more conscious and voluntary in nature, thus in this scenario, forcing one's self to have

prosocial behaviour in the context. According to our results in the study, proving the relation

that effortful thinking can promote altruism, its correlation is close to none but it focuses on

the same direction, therefore being directly proportional to each other.

None of the correlation coefficients reach statistical significance, as evidenced by

the respective p-values. This implies that, at least within the parameters of the study,
altruism does not distinctly align with any particular thinking style. However, caution must

be exercised in interpreting these results, considering the study's limitations, such as the

sample size and potential cultural influences. The absence of statistical significance may be

indicative of the intricate nature of these psychological constructs, influenced by myriad

factors beyond the scope of this study. Future research endeavours should aim to expand on

these findings, employing larger and more diverse samples, exploring cultural variations,

and investigating additional variables to provide a more nuanced understanding of the

interplay between altruism and thinking styles in the dynamic landscape of emerging

adulthood. This study serves as a foundational step in unravelling the complexities of these

constructs and sets the stage for more in-depth investigations in the field.
 Chapter 5

Summary and conclusion

The main objective of the study was to find the relationship between comprehensive

thinking styles and altruism among emerging adults. The sample of the study consisted

of 200 participants within the age group of 18 to 25. The sample were selected from

various colleges of Kerala, from the districts of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and

Alappuzha. The samples were selected using convenience sampling. The tools used for

this study were comprehensive thinking styles questionnaire (CTSQ) and self report

altruism scale (SRA scale). The research design used in this study was correlational

design.

The Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed weak associations between altruism

and various thinking styles among the participants.It was founded that within the

studied sample of 200 participants, there is no substantial or meaningful relationship

between altruism and the assessed thinking styles.

5.1 Conclusion

5.1.2. There is no significant relationship between open-minded thinking and altruism.

5.1.3. There is no significant relationship between close-minded thinking and altruism.

5.1.4. There is no significant relationship between intuitive thinking and

altruism.

5.1.5. There is no significant relationship between effortful thinking and

altruism.
5.2 Implications

This information has useful applications across a range of fields in addition to

advancing scholarly understanding of human behavior. The study also directly relates to

interpersonal dynamics. This investigation has the potential to provide significant

insights into the cognitive foundations of prosocial conduct. To better understand the

motivational forces behind acts of compassion, these programs can develop cognitive

abilities like empathy, critical thinking. This study also implies that thorough approach

to problem-solving, will help to raise a generation of people who are more likely to act

in a prosocial manner.

5.3 Limitations

5.3.1. Limited sample size, which often results in less accuracy.

5.3.2. No prior research on the subject was done before.

5.3.3. Limited period of time which lead to the inability to range over the reaserch

topic.

5.3.4.Cross-cultural generalization of the study’s findings is not possible.

5.3.5.A number of response biases, including social desirability bias, extreme response

bias, and neutral responding, might influence the results of using surveys to collect

data.

5.4. Suggestions for Further Research

5.4.1.More and broader samples may be used in future studies.

5.4.2. Future studies may be carried out in different cultural contexts in order for the

outcomes to be generalized.
5.4.3.Techniques for random sampling can be applied since they yield results free from

bias and allow for the quick acquisition of deeper information.

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Appendices
Appendix-A: Consent Form

I am Blesson Sabu, final year student, pursuing B.Sc. Psychology at Kristu Jyoti College of

Management and Technology, Changanacherry. As a part of my academic purpose, I Am

conducting a research study among young adults under the guidance of Asst. Professor

Ms.Nandana V.S.

I would like to collect some of your datas, and I am grateful in having your time. Please

proceed with the questionnaire only if you are aged between 18 to 25. Please make sure that

you fill this form with utmost sincerity. Please make sure that you respond to all questions. I

assure you that all your responses will be kept confidential and would be used only for

academic purposes. Your participation will be a great help in the successful completion of

my research study.

Thank you.

Consent

I hereby declare that all the information that are shared here are true to my knowledge and I

give full consent to fill in this questionnaire.

Signature:

Date:
Appendix-B: Socio-Demographic Details

Name:

Age :

Gender :

Educational Qualification :
Appendix-C: Comprehensive thinking styles

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements. On

a scale of 1-6. Place a tick mark in the corresponding box that aligns with your response to

each statement.

1 2 3 4 5 6
Questions Strongly Disagree Slightly Slightly Agree Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree

1. It is important to be loyal
to your beliefs even when
evidence is brought to bear
against them.

2. Whether something feels

true is more important than
evidence.

3. Just because evidence

conflicts with my current
beliefs does not mean my
beliefs are wrong.

4. There may be evidence

that goes against what you
believe but that does not
mean you have to change
your beliefs.

5. Even if there is
concrete evidence against
what you believe to be
true, it is OK to maintain
cherished beliefs.
6. Regardless of the topic,
what you believe to be true
is more important than
evidence against your
beliefs.

7. I think there are many

wrong ways, but only one
right way, to almost
anything.

8. In my experience, the
truth is often black and
white

9. Truth is never relative.

10. The truth does not

change.

11. Either something is true,

or it is false; there is nothing
in between.

12. There is no middle

ground between what is true
and what is false.

13. I like to rely on my

intuitive impressions.

14. I believe in trusting my

hunches.

15. When I make decisions,

I tend to rely on my
intuition.
16. Using my "gut-feelings"
usually works well for me in
figuring out problems in my
life.

17. Intuition is the best

guide in making decisions.

18. I often go by my
instincts when deciding on a
course of action.

19. I’m not that good at

figuring out complicated
problems.

20. Thinking is not my idea

of an enjoyable activity.

21. I try to avoid situations

that require thinking in
depth about something.

22. I am not a very

analytical thinker.

23. Reasoning things out

carefully is not one of my
strong points.

24. Thinking hard and for a

long time about something
gives me little satisfaction.
Appendix-D: Altruism

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements from

a rating scale of 1 to 5. Place a tick mark in the corresponding box that aligns with your

response to each statement.

1 2 3 4 5
Questions (Never) (Rarely) (Sometimes) (Frequently) (Always)

Q1) I have given money to a

charity.

Q2) I have donated goods or

clothes to a charity.

Q3) I have done volunteer

work for a charity.

Q4) I have helped carry a

stranger’s belongings.

Q5) I have made change for

someone I did not know.

Q6) I have helped an

acquaintance to move houses.

Q7) I have let a neighbour I

did not know well borrow an
item of some value to me.

Q8) I have offered to help a

disabled or elderly stranger
across a street

Q9) I have offered my seat to

a stranger who was standing.