	Suppose Pat and Chris observe Marvin on several occasions. They are
both present when Marvin (1) cheats on an English test, (2) takes charge and
gets everyone out of a burning building, (3) refuses to help with a charity
car wash, (4) helps a friend study for a difficult math test, (5) embarasses
another friend by pointing out her faults in front of a large group of
people, and (6) always gives blood when there is an opportunity.

	To Pat, Marvin is "tall and handsome, but extremely selfish, difficult
to get along with, and not trustworthy." When reminded of some of the positive
things Marvin has done, Pat shrugs and says, "It's just a front. The real
Marvin is a cheat."

	To Chris, "Marvin seems selfish when he is unsure of himself, but quite
selfless when he knows he can help out. Marvin is also very outspoken and
direct - he says what is on his mind. If he believes in a cause, he'll
support it. If he doesn't think it's important he won't give it the time of
day." Chris sums up Marvin's behavior as being motivated by his insecurity:
"If he didn't worry so much about being noticed, he wouldn't make himself
look so bad. He has real potential."

	Why are these two impressions so different? Pat uses fewer, more
concrete constructs (for example, "tall and handsome") and ignores much of
the information that doesn't fit with the emerging impression. If this
impression is typical of her reactions, Pat's construct system is a
relatively undeveloped one. Constrast that with Chris, who demonstrates a
fairly high level of cognitive complexity. By integrating the appararent
contradictions in Marvin's behavior, Chris has arrived at a more subtle
understanding of Marvin, recognizing situational constraints as well as
psychological motivations.

	Research has shown cognitive complex persons to be more accurate in
processing information about others, better at placing themselves in the
role of the other person, and more patient in weighing most of the evidence
before formulating a complete impression. Less complex individuals tend to
either stick with their original impression and ignore contradictory
information or to change the impression to fit the most recent information
they have. They lack the ability to integrate the constructs they use into a
more complete image of others.

	Considering the differences between more complex and less complex
persons, you might get the impression that the more complex, the better.
Actually, it depends on the situation and the other person. Imagine Pat
and Chris talking to each other. They would probably drive each other crazy.
Pat would claim that Chris thinks too much and analyzes everybody. Chris
would charge Pat with making snap judgments. In general, complex persons are
more versatile in social situtations and better at cross-cultural adaptation.
But a cognitively complex person is not necessaruily a "better" person. Like
any of us, such a person can abuse his or her abilities by being unethical,
insensitive, and so on.
