Abstract
Need for cognition (NFC) is conceptualized as intrinsic motivation to engage in and enjoy effortful cognitive endeavors. It has been a useful predictor of dispositional differences in information processing. We were interested in the relation of NFC to information acquisition and media usage in experimental paradigms as well as in daily life. We therefore conducted an online study in a student sample (N = 395), where different aspects of media usage (concerning PC, TV, and books) were assessed, and a further study with a subsample (N = 108) focusing on information and knowledge acquisition using texts with central and peripheral information, and pictures, respectively. First results for participants scoring high in NFC suggest that they prefer text over pictures for information acquisition and that they use media to get information rather than for entertainment. The results from the total sample are presented and discussed with regard to practical implications for media and information design.
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