Need for Closure

Definition

Need for cognitive closure refers to the desire or motivation to have a definite answer or knowledge instead of uncertainty or doubt. The need for closure is resolved by any answer, and the answer is accepted simply because it is available. Thus, need for closure does not refer to knowledge or decisions regarding a specific question, nor does it refer to the need for accuracy. The need for closure can arise from within the person, as a personality trait—or from the situation, such as when it is urgent to make a decision quickly.

History and Modern Usage

Early psychologists used ideas similar to need for closure, such as openness to experience and intolerance of ambiguity, to refer to broad personality traits and an often dysfunctional style of ...

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