Ambiguity describes the inability to grasp the exact meaning of a stimulus or information. From the perspective of psychology, ambiguous situations, or phenomena, tend to invoke increased cognitive effort in an attempt to “solve” the uncertain stimulus. Tolerance of ambiguity differs from person to person; some find it interesting, while others tolerate it the sensation of restlessness or panic. Perception (including optical illusions), communication (vague expressions), and decision-making under uncertain conditions all involve some degree of ambiguity. In the context of social situations, ambiguous signals can cause misunderstandings or the application of personal projections. In therapy and in the creative process, ambiguity is often employed to stimulate deeper thinking, greater flexibility, and the ability to reach profound insights. The approaches people take towards ambiguity can illuminate styles of thinking, aspects of an underlying personality, and emotional responsiveness, which is why it holds significance in both theoretical and practical psychology.
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