This paper proposes a method for studying the effect of an individual difference variable--field dependence-independence--on the ability of a student to read and understand text information presented on a computer screen. It is argued that in order to improve individualized instruction, learning must be related to predictions of what part of the…

Cognitive style refers to preferences for, or dominant modes of, information processing. Cognitive styles tend to be bipolar and less value-laden than ability or aptitude measures. Conceptualizations of cognitive style differ in the number of styles and the degree of metacognitive control over them which individuals are presumed to have. The Hill…

It is often assumed that old age is a time of numerous losses, irritants, and stress. Although researchers have examined the interrelationship of stress, health, and happiness in old age, stress is usually operationalized as a response to major life events; however, stress can also be operationalized as a response to the everyday experiences of…

In an extension of a pilot study (Mezoff, 1980B) the influence of participant cognitive style on various human relations training (HRT) outcomes was explored. Cognitive style dimensions investigated were field-dependence-independence (FD-FI, Witkin 1978) and interpersonal discrimination (Carr 1979). University students (N=39) enrolled in a group…

Individual differences in cognitive structures resulting primarily from exposure to physics content were investigated in this research study. Thirty college students were divided into a treatment group of 19 and a control group of 11. A regression analysis indicated that individual differences were probably operative. An analysis of variance…

The import of cognitive style research for educational problems and research is discussed. Topics covered include a definition of "cognitive style," particularly "field dependence/independence," individual differences in personal characteristics associated with differences in perceptual mode (field independence) relevance of…

The purposes of this study were to investigate (1) the consistency among fifth-grade children in conceptual style across different conceptual style instruments and (2) the generalizability of conceptual style behavior to school related tasks when stability and instability of children's conceptual style were taken into consideration. Children…

A description of four research strategies which are different from the commonly used between-groups design: the sub-group method, the regression or correlation method, the case study method and the ethnography method. Two studies carried out in Montreal using the regression method are discussed. (AMH)

Experienced teachers had 90 minutes to think aloud and plan the lesson before an experimental teaching session. Most planning decisions concerned lesson content rather than objective-setting, student diagnosis, or instructional strategy. Planning differences were related to teachers' cognitive styles and abilities. Relationships between planning,…

Illustrates dimensions of variation in how young children orchestrate or manage the writing process, using data collected from a five-month study of primary grade writers. Finds children's composing behaviors consistent with their apparent intentions and with their styles as symbolizers and socializers in their classroom. (SKC)

Summarizes the results of a project to make a class of learning disabled ninth graders aware of their individual learning styles. This seemed to increase their self-esteem and thus they worked according to their strengths and their grades improved. (NKA)

Reviews research on the development of academic skills in arithmetic and early reading, emphasizing the individual cognitive processes occurring during learning. Offers implications for the development of new methods of assessment that stress processes, rather than just products. Suggests that researchers in cognitive development and assessment…

Suggests that individual differences in visual imagery and failure to realize their existence may have affected theories of thought throughout history. Offers possible explanations for the failure to validate thinking style differences in educationally significant ways. Argues that increased understanding of mental imagery can improve teaching.…

Learning styles represent a type of aptitude-treatment interaction suggesting that a person's distinctive characteristics (aptitudes) can be matched to a specific treatment (instructional method) yielding a more effective outcome than could otherwise have been achieved. Special education research does not support categorizing youngsters or using…

The mother recounts her son's educational career with testing results which identified him as both a gifted and learning disabled. His difficulties in school and eventual successful completion of college and employment are recounted. The need for schools to meet the needs of unconventional learners is stressed. (DB)