Key information to know about KLIO-PS
The power of paradox at KLIO-PS
Paradox theory is used in this essay as a theoretical basis for juxtaposing seemingly opposing, yet complementary, dimensions. The starting point is to unravel the concept of paradox. According to Poelmans (2020), the best way to define a paradox in a psychological context is:
"Two non-dual and complementary psychological forces or behaviors that coexist in flux and tension, striving to achieve dynamic homeostasis over time."
- Dr PhD Steven Poelmans
These forces that coexist within a person or an organization seem opposite, like black and white. However, when they interact and collaborate, they create a third entity that is more than the sum of its parts. The best way to illustrate this is to ask people in class the typical question used to distinguish introverts from extroverts: At a party, do you usually spend time with people you already know, or do you prefer to spend time meeting new people? When this question is asked in class, 90% of people respond that they do both. This suggests that the distinctions between introverts and extroverts, or at least attempts to measure them, are not simply black and white.
There is an overlap, as well as a certain level of interaction between these two forces.
How paradox theory constitutes the dimensions of KLIO-PS
Paradox theory applies to the concept of cognitive styles. The different dimensions, despite being paired, are treated as paradoxes or paradoxical forces. This means that, at first glance, they appear to be completely opposite.
For example, thinking is the opposite of feeling, and controlling is the opposite of contemplating. However, in a way, they are complementary. The dimensions can coexist in the same person at the same time, and the way we construct this psychometrically is by allowing people to score each dimension independently. This means that if you score 60 on introversion, you don't, by definition, score 40 on extroversion. Therefore, they are not complementary in the sense that they always add up to 100. Each dimension can be scored from 1 to 10 or from 1 to 100, and in fact, you can have both extroversion and introversion at levels of 70. This represents a completely different approach, consciously inspired by paradox theory.
Typically, one dimension is natural and the other is acquired. We measure this by asking questions about people's youth, exploring their natural, spontaneous, and impartial nature, what they were like as children.
While the other aspect, the other pole of the paradox, is usually acquired over time through experience. Thus, we take into account the classic distinction between nature and nurture, which allows people to be paradoxical.
Multiplier effects
In our paradoxical dimensions, we don't just have a simple additive effect.
What does this mean?
If you can combine thinking and feeling, first, you can connect with a broader range of people. There are also multiplicative or synergistic effects, when, for example, you can reflect on feelings you've observed in others, or you can have more empathy after understanding the theory behind emotions. So, it goes both ways; it's not a simple addition. By combining both, your feelings and thinking will be enriched, which, again, will help you in the context of interacting with other people in general.
Interested in learning more?
Click on the following links to learn more about our KLIO-PS methodology: