The Construct of Cognitive Style and its Implications for Creativity

Abstract

Research on the construct of cognitive style is reviewed and discussed. Despite previous problems in style research it is maintained that the style construct is not only still relevant but may have important implications for learning, problem solving, and creativity. This view is based on the further development of some classic style theories as well as several theories proposed in the last few years which have produced a generational shift in style research. However, it is argued that several issues associated with styles, notably strategies, abilities, personality, consistency, dimensionality, and creativity, should be more precisely defined and studied in future research. It is also argued that future stylistic research should employ normative measurement techniques and an interaction perspective.