The video above is displaying a simple test that is designed to measure the cognitive complexity of ones interpersonal perception. This test is called the "Role Category Questionnaire," also known as the RCQ.
The definition of cognitive complexity is "the mental ability to distinguish subtle personality and behavior differences among people." The 8th edition of Em Griffins text, "A First Look At Communication Theory" explains this definition in greater detail.
How is cognitive complexity relevant to communication?
Cognitive complexity is relevant to communication because it is how each person sees the world, and makes sense of their surroundings. Highly cognitive complex individuals are able to take the role of other individuals, and better understand their personality. Thus, when taking an RCQ test, they are able to come up with several defining terms to describe that persons personality.
With that in mind, it is imperative to have some amount of cognitive complexity to have successful communication with individuals from different backgrounds.
In conclusion, cognitive complexity can be built by being learned. A person who studies communication theory, may have a higher cognitive complexity simply because they are more aware of the theory itself. Furthermore, as a person grows older their cognitive complexity does too. However, it begins to “level out” once a person reaches their mid twenties. This could be do to the fact that the brain has stopped maturing. Nonetheless, cognitive complexity is an excellent skill to have, and can help you in all aspects of life.
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