The Development and Validation of a Cognitive Diversity Scale for Chinese Academic Research Teams

Abstract

Cognitive diversity is an important concept stemming from western management research in the 1990s. With the rapid development of science and technology, there is a growing interest in the composition of an academic research team, such as team diversity. However, there is no tool available for measuring team cognitive diversity (TCD) for academic research teams. Based on Van der Vegt’s theoretical model of TCD, an Academic Research Team Cognitive Diversity Scale (ATCDS) is developed and validated for an academic research team in our research with two studies (N=737). In Study One, in-depth interviews and panel discussions were conducted to generate a preliminary questionnaire. In Study Two, the questionnaire was administered among academic research teams. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors regarding cognitive diversity: (1) the way of thinking, (2) knowledge and skills, (3) the view of the world, and (4) beliefs about what is right and wrong. The factor structure was further validated by confirmatory factor analysis. Moreover, correlation and regression analyses showed that academic research TCD was positively related to team creativity (r =0.306, p <0.01) and performance (r =0.204, p <0.10). To sum up, our newly developed 15-item ATCDS is sufficiently reliable and valid to be used for understanding cognitive diversity among academic research teams.

Cognitive and Neurodiversity in Groups: A Systemic and Integrative Review

“…In group performance studies that examined cognitive diversity as an independent variable, Dong et al (2021) found that academic performance in research teams is fostered by cognitive diversity, while Liao and Long (2016) showed that group performance increases with high alertness (as a combination of information accumulation, transformation, and selection) arising from high cognitive diversity. Cognitive diversity positively affects group effectiveness through group learning, and an inclusive climate in terms of group discussion and decision processes (Chow, 2018; Mathuki & Zhang, 2022).…”

“…Ten articles examined the relationship between group cognitive (style) diversity and creativity. Dong et al (2021) evaluated cognitive diversity in academic research teams and reported a positive association with team creativity. Kurtzberg (2005) found that cognitive diversity could benefit creative performance but reduce positive affect, satisfaction, and group members' feelings about their creative endeavor.…”