The purpose of this study was to test the comparability of several psychological instruments commonly used in Information Systems (IS) cognitive style research. The objective was to determine the limitations of: existing instruments in IS cognitive style research. The motivation for this research was the inconclusive findings reported in IS human information processing research. The study used a repeated measures design. Each individual completed the following cognitive style and personality instruments; the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Group Embedded-figures Test, the Learning Style Inventory, the Human Information Processing Survey, and the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (Figural Form A). The individual also completed a dichotic listening and tachistoscope task. Data was collected from business administration, BCIS, liberal arts majors, and IS professionals. The results of this study indicate IS researchers need to consider several factors in the use of these instruments. A direct relationship exists between cognitive ability and results on the GEFT. Cognitive ability should be considered a moderating variable in interpreting the results of the GEFT. Also, the hypothesis that the GEFT is a surrogate for analytical and low-analytical abilities is not supported by this study. Other reported results include the inappropriateness of using the TTCT with adult populations. Also, the MBTI appears to be an appropriate instrument for measuring cognitive styles in IS research. This study reported that gender is a moderating factor on the classification of MBTI types in that gender is not evenly divided among feeling and thinking types. This study reported no relationships between the cognitive style and personality instruments with the physiological measurements. The validity of the physiological measurements could be the underlying factor for not reporting any significant relationships. IS researchers will benefit from this study through an improved understanding of the appropriateness and applicability of these instruments. This benefits research through the strengthening of instrument selection.

This research began with the Hill Inventory. Cognitive style preference variables were classified as one of following four types: Theoretical Codes, Qualitative Codes, Social-Cultural Codes or Reasoning Modalities. A consumer behavior perspective was then used to form an alternative structure for the Hill Inventory variables. The following three constructs were proposed: Evaluation Codes, Perceptual Codes, and Reasoning Modalities. The purpose of this research was to assess the structural form and measurement validity of the Hill Inventory. Specific steps taken to accomplish this objective included: developing confirmatory factor and structural equation models; using the LISREL software package to analyze the model specifications; and assessing the validity of the questions used to measure the variables. A descriptive research design was used to compare the model specifications. The research instrument consisted of eight statements for each of twenty-eight variables for a total of 224 questions. Five-point response choices were described by the words: often, sometimes, unsure, rarely, or never. The sample consisted of 285 student subjects in marketing classes at a large university. Data analysis began by comparing the distributions of the data to a normal case. Parameter estimates, root mean square residuals and squared multiple correlations then were obtained using the LISREL VI software package. The chi-square statistic was used to test the hypotheses. This statistic was supplemented by the Tucker-Lewis index which used a null model for comparisons. The final step in data analysis was to assess the reliability of the measurements. This study affected the potential usage of the Hill Inventory for consumer behavior research. The major conclusion was that the measurement of the variables must be improved before model parameters can be tested. Specific question sets on the inventory were identified that were most in need of revision.

Para Rud (2009, p.3) o objetivo primordial do Business Intelligence é fornecer a informação certa para a pessoa adequada, dentro do tempo esperado e no formato correto, através do canal mais apropriado. Para cumprir este complexo desafio, Eckerson (2009, p.4) afirma que a questão central está em compreender quais as ferramentas e métodos são mais adequados para os diferentes grupos de usuários que usufruem das soluções analíticas. Assim, esta obra procura dar continuidade às observações de Eckerson (2009, p.4), aprofundando o entendimento dos usuários analíticos e de seu relacionamento com as ferramentas de BI disponíveis, avaliando uma nova variável: o estilo cognitivo dos usuários. Em outras palavras, procura avaliar se existe uma relação entre os estilos cognitivos dos usuários analíticos (representados neste caso pelos tipos psicológicos) e sua escolha por determinadas funcionalidades disponíveis em aplicações de Business Intelligence (como, por exemplo, painéis de informação, relatórios pré-configurados, relatórios ad hoc, relatórios OLAP, modelos preditivos e mineração de dados), além de outros aspectos relacionados com esta associação. No Estudo de Caso realizado com o Banco Alfa, as opiniões em relação a este assunto são variadas e parecem ser influenciadas pelo nível hierárquico do respondente; contudo, indicam a existência de alguma influência ainda que difícil de ser quantificada ou explicada. Por outro lado, no limitado levantamento executado com alguns usuários - cujos dados colhidos são avaliados com a ajuda do Teste Qui-Quadrado e do Teste Exato de Fischer, não é possível constatar a influência. De qualquer forma, mais do que negar de forma conclusiva a existência da relação, os resultados parecem indicar que uma das variáveis pode ser aprimorada, abrindo uma possibilidade de desenvolvendo para esta análise. / Rud (2009, p.3) states that the primary goal of Business Intelligence is to provide the accurate information to the right person within the expected timeframe and proper format, through the most suitable channel. To fulfill this complex challenge, Eckerson (2009, p.4) affirms that the key issue is to understand which tools and methods are the most suitable for the different groups of users who benefit from analytical applications. The key objective of this thesis is to continue the studies and observations of Eckerson (2009, p.4), understanding BI users and their relationship with these tools, investigating a new variable: the users\' cognitive style. In other words, this thesis details the effort to verify if there is a relationship between cognitive styles (represented in this case by psychological types) of analytical users and their choice and preference for certain functionalities available in Business Intelligence applications (such as, dashboards, formatted reports, ad hoc reports, OLAP reports, predictive modeling and data mining), as well as other aspects of this association. In the Case Study conducted with Bank Alfa, the opinions on this matter are diverse and seem to be influenced by the hierarchical level of the respondent; however, they seem to indicate the existence of some influence even though it is difficult to quantify or explain. On the other hand, on the limited survey carry out with some BI users - the collected data was evaluated with Chi-Square Test and Fisher\'s Exact Test, is not possible to identify the influence. Nevertheless, instead of rejecting any type of relationship, the results indicate that one of the variables should be further improved and studied.

by Leung Hiu-shan. / Thesis submitted in: June 1999. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 55-58). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.iv / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.v / LIST OF TABLES --- p.vi / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.vii / LIST OF APPENDICES --- p.viii / INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Weak Central Coherence of Autism --- p.1 / Cognitive Style of Field Dependence/Independence --- p.4 / Visual Illusions --- p.5 / Summary of Previous research & Objectives and Hypotheses of Present Study --- p.8 / METHOD --- p.12 / Participants --- p.12 / Stimuli --- p.13 / Procedure --- p.19 / RESULTS --- p.24 / EFT --- p.24 / RFT --- p.26 / Correlation between EFT and RFT --- p.26 / Visual illusions --- p.30 / "Relationship between EFT, RFT and Visual Illusions" --- p.34 / Percentage of Subjects Succumbed/Not succumbed to Geometric Illusions --- p.44 / DISCUSSION --- p.44 / REFERENCES --- p.55 / APPENDICES --- p.59

This thesis examines the learning preferences and learning strategies of apprentices, and the contexts within which they learn in their workplaces. Since the end of the 1980s Australian vocational education and training (VET) structures and processes have undergone radical change in attempts to develop skills in the workforce that will ensure enterprise, national, and international competitiveness. A major strategy in the national reforms has been the encouragement of flexible delivery as a means through which workplace-based learning can be accessed by a larger number of workers in ways that are cost-efficient, and that reduce the amount of time that workers spend away from their jobs. Although flexible delivery has been championed by governments and industry alike, there has been little attempt to identify the preparedness of either learners or their workplaces for the demands of flexible learning. The thesis examines the economic context for these changes to VET, and also examines the literature available on workplace learning. Additionally, the thesis examines the conceptualisations of flexible delivery that are available in the literature, pointing to the possibility that the wide range of meanings associated with the term ‘flexible delivery’ may result in quite different practices and expectations. The thesis also examines the literature on independent learning and self-directed learning, and explores the concept of ‘client-focused’ flexible delivery. The study of learner preferences uses data collected from apprentices over a period of some years, in the four occupational areas commanding the highest number of apprentices in Australia. These occupational areas are Metals and Machining, Building, Electrical, and Hairdressing. These data on learning preferences are collected using the commercially available Canfield Learning Styles Inventory (CLSI). The data from the sample of 389 apprentices are analysed statistically through analyses of variance, and indicate that variables such as age, gender, and occupational area are related to learning preferences. Apprentices are shown by this analysis to prefer structured programs of instruction that are instructor-led, and to not have a high preference for independent learning or the development of their own learning goals. Additionally, they are shown to have very low preferences for learning through reading, preferring instead to learn through direct hands-on experience. While these characteristics are largely common among the four occupational groups, the Hairdressing apprentices are shown to have a slightly higher preference for independent learning and goal setting. Females are shown to have a higher preference than males for learning qualitative material through reading. Interestingly, the younger apprentices are shown to have a higher preference than the older ones for self-directed learning. Some possibilities for that finding are discussed. The research also shows that the learning preferences displayed by different groups of apprentices in any one program are much the same over time, providing some confidence that data generated from one group of apprentices can be used to make instructional decisions for future groups in the same program. The data are also factor analysed to indicate three major factors underlying apprentice learning preferences. The first factor indicates a Verbal–Non-verbal preference factor, with apprentices clearly preferring to learn through non-verbal means. A second factor is described as Structure–Content, with apprentices showing a preference for learning from structured programs in a structured environment. A third factor, Self-directed–Social preference, indicates apprentices preferring to learn through socially mediated presentations and contexts rather than through more independent forms of learning. Qualitative data are also generated through interviewing eight apprentices, and focusing on the learning strategies they employ while constructing knowledge in the workplace. That component of the research uses a modification of the Marland, Patching and Putt (1992a, 1992b) stimulated recall technique, and a set of learning strategies derived from the work of O’Malley and Chamot (1990) and Billett (1996a). The eight apprentices are drawn from the Metals and Machining, Electrical, and Hairdressing trades. The findings indicate that the learning strategies most often used by apprentices in the workplace are those associated with the construction of knowledge that is structured and provided by the instructor or learning program, and those that include social mediation of learning. Additionally, the strategies associated with demonstration and hands-on practice are most favoured. The qualitative data are confirmatory of the quantitative data. The research also indicates, through the apprentice interviews, that support for apprentice’s learning in their workplace is typically unplanned and haphazard. Their experience was sometimes characterised by a reluctance on the part of the workplace to acknowledge learning needs such as trialling and practice of new knowledge, or pro-actively seeking understanding from other more skilled workers. The learning preferences and learning strategies findings for apprentices, coupled with the findings of typically poor or unplanned support in the workplace, indicate that effective flexible delivery of training to apprentices in the workplace provides a number of challenges. These challenges, it is argued, demand strategies to be developed and implemented to prepare both learners and workplaces for effective engagement with flexible delivery. Using as a theoretical framework Kember’s (1995) two-dimensional model of open learning for adults, the thesis integrates the findings into a proposed two-dimensional model of learner and workplace preparedness for flexible delivery. The model provides for a Learner Development Space, a Workplace Development Space, and a Strategy Space. Within the Learner Development Space, focuses for the development of learner preparedness are identified in terms of self-directed learning, skills developments, and effective participation in a community of practice. Focuses for workplace development identified in the Workplace Development Space are those associated with development of training policies, training structures, and trainer skills and abilities. The Strategy Space then provides detail of seventy-nine specific strategies developed to enhance learner and workplace preparedness within each of the focuses identified.

The nature of the human brain has preoccupied philosophers and scientists for centuries. As early as the 4th Century BCE, Greek philosophers speculated that the anatomically distinct hemispheres of the brain implied specialisation of function. It was not until the "splitbrain" operations of the 1950s, however, that the precise specialisation of each hemisphere could be demonstrated. The right hemisphere apparently assumed responsibility for spacial, holistic processes, while the left hemisphere processed analytical, sequential tasks. During that same decade, educational psychologists observed two markedly different ways in which individuals perceive and relate to the world. It was later observed that these "cognitive styles" seemed directly related to the bi-polar functions of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This implied a genetic basis for cognitive style. Subsequent research suggested that cognitive style is to a considerable extent a result of the environment of socialisation, and therefore, different cultures would demonstrate different cognitive styles. Such cultural differences in learning expectations might have serious implications for both teachers and learners in the field of export education. The literature review in this study identified physical, environmental, and experiential factors which appear to influence cognitive style. This information formed the basis of the biographical section of a questionnaire which elicited the learning style preferences of pre-tertiary students from Australia (native speakers), Indonesia and Japan. The study posed the negative hypothesis: There are no significant differences in patterns of cognitive styles between cultures. The results of the field study contradicted the negative hypothesis, identifying significant differences in patterns of cognitive styles between the three cultural groups.

Historically, Native American students have not achieved academic success; ethnic and racial stereotypes are common explanations for the problem. Many perceive the Native American student to be lacking either academic preparation or socio-cultural support for success. A review of the literature showed emerging research which indicates that significant differences can be shown between the learning styles of Native American students and their non-Native counterparts. It has been claimed that these differences may account for some of the differences in academic achievement. The purpose of this study was an attempt to document more thoroughly the differences between the learning styles of Native American and non-Native university students, employing the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT). The GEFT measures degree of field sensitivity, a measure of the degree to which an individual is affected by the surrounding environment or situation within which learning is to take place. It has been postulated that Native American children tend to be reared in a culture which promotes field dependent learning styles. Conversely, children reared in families promoting strong individual identity tend to be more field independent. The results of administering the GEFT to a group of Native American university students and to a comparison group of non-Native students supported the theory. A numerical difference of 2.1, on a scale of 1 to 18, was found between the mean scores of the two study groups with the Native American students scoring in the more field dependent domain. The mean score for the Native American student study group was 9.7, while that for the comparison group was 11.8. In addition to ethnic differences, the data from this study showed differences from previously established norms both by age and gender. Based on the results of this study, educators may be urged to consider the style in which a student learns before categorizing him or her as academically deficient. Further study of learning styles of Native American students and concommitantly of teaching styles which are best suited to Native American students is recommended. / Graduation date: 1991

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Instructional Systems, Leadership, and Workforce Development. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2003. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 88-93).

The purpose of this study was to investigate aspects of cognitive styles in relationship to the academic orientation of Arab ESL students. More specifically, this study attempted to answer the following questions:1- What are the different cognitive styles Arab students use in their learning of English as a second language?2- To what degree do Arab students who possess different cognitive styles perform differently on the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency?3- Are students' academic majors related to their proficiency in English as a second language?The subjects of this study were 82 students representing 11 Arab countries enrolled in ESL programs in four American universities. The Inventory of Learning Processes (Schmeck, Ribich, & Ramanaiah, 1977), was used to measure the students' cognitive styles and the Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MTELP) was used to measure their performance on English as a second language.Results of this study indicated that Arab students fall on a continuum of four different cognitive styles with Elaborative Processing being the most dominant cognitive style among Arab students (44% of students). Deep Processing and Fact Retention were the next two cognitive styles Arab students possessed (26%, 21 % of students respectively). Only 10% of students possessed the Study Methods cognitive style. There was no significant relationship between students' cognitive styles and their performance on English as a second language except for the weak positive relationship that existed between the cognitive style of Elaborative Processing and proficiency in English as a second language. It was also found that students' academic majors played a major role in their performance on MTELP. Literature majors performed significantly better than science majors in English as a second language.It was recommended that ESL instructors at American universities identify Arab students' cognitive styles by using ILP prior to their enrollment in ESL courses. It was also recommended that ESL instructors vary their teaching strategies and resources so that individual student's needs regarding cognitive style are met. Further research is needed to investigate the interaction between students' academic majors, their cognitive styles and their proficiency in English as a second language. It is also important to further explore the relationship between the Elaborative Processing scale and students' proficiency in English as a second language. / Department of Secondary, Higher, and Foundations of Education