Abstract

Integrative complexity refers to the extent to which people search for and monitor information, try to predict various outcomes and reactions, and consider multiple options and strategies. It focuses on the cognitive structure rather than the content of information processing, and is measured in terms of differentiation and integration. The present study explores the impact of economic crisis and political transition in Korea on integrative complexity expressed in newspaper columns and the bulletins of political parties. In study 1, integrative complexity scoring was performed on newspaper columns. Complexity declined with recognition of economic crisis, was lowest right after the IMF bail-out. Complexity was lowest during the election campaign, and rose again after the election. In study 2, paragraphs randomly sampled from the bulletins of Hannara-dang and Kukminwhey were analyzed to see how complexity was influenced by the first peaceful turn-over of political power. The complexity expressed in the bulletin of Hannara-dang declined as it lost the reins of government, but it did not show any decline during the election campaign. The complexity expressed in the bulletin of Kukminwhey was initially high due to its progressive tendency, then sharply declined during the election campaign, and then increased after it seized power. Integrative complexity of Newspaper columns and the bulletins of political parties was found to be sensitive to economic and political situation, which might be a way of coping with the crisis.