Implicit Theoretical Study Of Adult Wisdom

The implicit theories of wisdom of the Chinese people were explored in this research including the preliminary study, multidimensional scaling study, exploratory factor analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA).In the preliminary study, open-end inventories were delivered to college teachers as well as citizens in Shanghai, who were asked to list whatever characteristics of a wise person could have. 40 items were selected according to certain criteria.In the study of multidimensional scaling analysis, those 40 items from the preliminary study were categorized by 40 college subjects whose responses were subsequently subjected to nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis of their implicit theories of wisdom. The result yielded a model with ,6 components -original and modest life style, exceptional cognitive competences, outstanding interpersonal skills, abundant knowledge and experience, self-conscious and self-control abilities, and good character properties, The 4 components of the model-exceptional cognitive competences, outstanding interpersonal skills, abundant knowledge and experience, and self-conscious and self-control abilities-overlaps somehow with relevant, researches abroad, the other-2 components -original and modest life style, and good character properties-reflect the unique influence of traditional Chinese culture on people's implicit theories of wisdom.In the study of factor analysis, subjects with different gender, age and education degree rated, on a 7-point scale, the extent to which each of the 40 items was characteristic of a wise individual. Factor analysis yielded 5 dimensions?original and modest life style, exceptional rational thinking, excellent learning and problem solving skills, exceptional interpersonal skills, and good character properties. This wisdom model and the one derived from multidimensional scaling analysis can prove each other, and at the same time possess the characteristics of their own.Finally, variance analysis found there exist age and education degree diversity in people's implicit theories of wisdom. Significant age difference was found in factor 4 , and education degree difference was found in factor 1 and 2, according to the 5-dimension wisdom model.