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Current Psychology

, Volume 14, Issue 3, pp 179–199 | Cite as

Tolerance of ambiguity: A review of the concept, its measurement and applications

  • Adrian Furnham
  • Tracy Ribchester
Articles

Abstract

This paper reviews the scattered and diffuse literature on the tolerance of ambiguity construct (AT). The work by Frenkel-Brunswik (1948) is considered in some detail to help explain the origin of the concept as well as its diffusion to many areas of psychology. Second, thirty years of correlational research, which looks at the studies correlating AT measures with a variety of psychological variables, are reviewed. Third, evidence for the differential distribution of AT among particular groups is reviewed. Fourth, the psychometric properties of the various self-report AT measures are considered in some detail. The two final sections look at organizational and cultural correlates of AT (the areas currently most interested in the AT concept). The conclusion attempts to explain varying patterns of interest in the AT construct and its current status.

Keywords

Current Psychology Uncertainty Avoidance Psychological Report Role Ambiguity Ambiguous Situation 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Transaction Publishers 1995

Authors and Affiliations

  • Adrian Furnham
    • 1
  • Tracy Ribchester
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of PsychologyUniversity College LondonLondon

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