Abstract:  Need for cognitive closure is referred to describe an individual’s epistemic motivation to form a firm answer to a question under uncertain circumstances. In the era of information explosion, the cognitive load of individuals has been rapidly increasing. Therefore, in-depth research of NFCC is of great importance in modern times. Diving into the conceptual structure and measurements of NFCC, along with related research over the past thirty years in areas including personality, information processing, decision making, attitudes, beliefs, and mental health, this article proposes that distinguishing ability from motivation is of necessity. Furthermore, this article urges future researchers to conduct empirical study on NFCC in terms of the in-depth discussion of its concept, dimension, measurements and antecedents.

Key words: need for cognitive closure, lay epistemology, empirical study