A literature review describes several dimensions of cognitive styles in an effort to illustrate individual stylistic differences. Discusses the field dependence-independence dimension, taking into account age, sex, and cultural differences. Suggests that cognitive style theory needs to be structured in a broader theoretical framework. (NH)

Assessed cognitive styles of 300 children aged 3-5 years and explored social factors in children's play based on their cognitive style. Field dependent children engaged more often in activities with others and with concrete objects, while field independent children were more involved in restructuring the environment. (RJC)

Examined children's cognitive style and their play in different play areas according to sex and age. Found that females played most in the physical, block, manipulative, and dramatic play areas, while males played most in block play. Four-year olds played most in physical, block, and dramatic play, while five-year olds most often chose…

Cognitive styles are broad, systematic characteristics that influence people's responses in different situations. Field dependence independence (FDI) is the cognitive style construct that has generated the most research. Describes the FDI characteristics in young children's social behaviors, including their social orientation, people-versus-object…

Describes some ways in which learning styles have been examined. Discusses the ways in which differences in learning styles may develop. Presents educational implications of this work. (RJC)

Describes formal and informal techniques used to evaluate young children's cognitive style for the purpose of individualizing instruction. Topics include controlled laboratory procedures, paper and pencil tests, classroom assessments, and individualization in educational programs. (RJC)

Discusses the relation of individual differences to cognitive styles in the early childhood education classroom. Topics include the use of knowledge of cognitive styles in classrooms and in matching teachers to children. (RJC)

Considers research trends concerning cognitive styles in relation to various classroom factors. Explores relations between the field dependence-independence cognitive style dimension and instructional approaches and materials, classroom organizations, and teacher-student match and mismatch effects. (RJC)

Discusses the relation of research findings concerning field dependence-independence to conceptualizations of the process of learning to read. Proposes directions for investigation of the impact of individual differences in the acquisition of reading skills. (RJC)

Investigates the cognitive style of 145 preschool children and the relation of cognitive style to other cognitive correlates. Results indicate that, in comparison with peers, preschool gifted girls are more likely to be field independent and preschool gifted boys are more likely to be reflective. (RJC)

Three hundred preschoolers aged 3 through 5 were tested for their cognitive style and their preferences for different play areas. Results indicated that field-independent (FI) children (socially detached with high analytical abilities) preferred physical and block play more than field-dependent (FD) children (socially adept and sensitive) and that…

Describes use of participant observation in a preschool setting, reporting findings on children's sociodramatic play, roles children assign adults, children's perceptions of teacher-directed organization and activities, children's spontaneous conversations, and individual learning differences and styles. Points out implications of such…

Describes cognitive style in terms of field dependence-independence, and five tests of cognitive style for young children. Discusses the relationship between cognitive style and academic achievement in young children. (RJC)

Summarizes research on the field dependence-independence (FDI) dimension of cognitive styles of teachers. Argues for the integration of FDI knowledge into teacher preparation programs and more attention to teachers' and students' cognitve styles. (DE)

Reviews research studies examining relationship between play behaviors and cognitive styles in young children, particularly emphasizing field dependence and field independence, social behavior, and educational and research implications are also presented. (DST)