This study looked at specific influences on the cognitive development of adult students in two settings. The results of this study demonstrated that some students increased in cognitive complexity according to Perry's scheme. From this study, one cannot identify a single experience that is solely responsible for assisting students in developing more complex ways of thinking. It is possible to state that adults are not stagnant in their cognitive development and that participation in higher education provides multiple avenues for development. In this study, instructor techniques, discussion with peers, evaluation methods, and classroom atmosphere were investigated. All of these had the potential to assist students in developing more complex ways of thinking. (Contains 1 table and 41 endnotes.)