cognitive style
a person’s characteristic mode of perceiving, thinking, remembering, and problem solving. Cognitive styles might differ in preferred elements or activities, such as group work versus working individually, more structured versus less defined activities, or visual versus verbal encoding. Other dimensions along which cognitive styles vary include reflection–impulsivity, abstract attitude versus concrete attitude, and field dependence versus field independence. The term is also commonly used to refer to the idea that people differ with respect to the mode of learning (e.g., instruction, study) that is most effective for them. Indeed, many use the term learning style interchangeably with cognitive style, whereas others use the former more specifically to mean a person’s characteristic cognitive, affective, and psychological behaviors that influence his or her preferred instructional methods and
interactions with the learning environment. Also called thinking style. See also learning types; theory of mental self-government.