Final answer:
A cognitive style characterized by inflexibility is known as dogmatism. This style contrasts with those that allow for flexibility in adjusting beliefs when presented with new information. The concept of locus of control, whether internal or external, is central to understanding an individual's belief about personal influence over events and outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cognitive style that is characterized by inflexibility is most accurately described as dogmatism. Dogmatic individuals are often rigid in their beliefs and resistant to change, regardless of new evidence or perspectives. This is in contrast to cognitive styles that incorporate flexibility and the ability to adapt one's thinking in response to new information.
Cognitive Dissonance and Locus of Control
Cognitive dissonance causes discomfort because it disrupts our sense of consistency. When someone has an external locus of control like Jane, who believes that external factors like a professor's personal feelings are responsible for her bad grade, it indicates a belief that outcomes are the result of factors beyond personal control.
Temperament and Self-Regulation
Temperament refers to inborn, genetically based personality differences. Self-regulation, which is crucial for managing behavior and achieving long-term goals, can also be known as will power or having an internal locus of control.
Understanding the Self-Serving Bias
We understand the self-serving bias by examining attribution, which involves beliefs about the cause of a result. Attribution includes dimensions such as locus of control, stability, and controllability.