Cognitive styles analysis

The most frequently used computerized measure of cognitive styles is Riding’s Cognitive Styles Analysis (CSA). Although CSA is not well known in North American institutions, it is quite popular among European universities and organizations. Unlike many other measures of cognitive style inventories, CSA has been under substantial empirical investigation.

A number of different labels have been given to cognitive styles and, according to Riding, many of these are but different conceptions of the same dimensions (Riding & Sadler-Smith, 1992). Riding and Cheema (1991) surveyed the various (about 30) labels and, after reviewing the descriptions, correlations, methods of assessment, and effect on behavior, concluded that the styles may be grouped into two principal groups: the Wholist-Analytic and the Verbal-Imagery dimensions. It is argued that these dimensions of cognitive style are very fundamental because they develop early in life and are pervasive given their affect on social behavior, decision making, and learning.