ROLE: Cognitive Styles and Individual Differences in Imagery

Harvard University, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

Proposal number: 0106760 PI: Stephen Kosslyn Institution: Harvard University Title: Cognitive Styles and Individual Differences in Imagery Award Abstract This is a study of cognitive styles (such as the visualizer-verbalizer distinction) people (both students and professionals) use in thinking through and learning science and mathematics (specifically in the topic area of kinematics). The project has two goals: (1) To investigate and revise the traditional verbalizer-visualizer cognitive style dimension, including the possibility that more than these two basic styles exist (such as object and spatial visual styles). This approach is based on findings and methods from cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience to conceptualize the nature of cognitive style and its neural underpinnings. (2) To examine the instructional implications of these cognitive styles and their relevance to educational practice. The research will proceed along three lines: behavioral studies, classroom-based studies, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Based on evidence from this research, the investigators will develop theoretically-based guidelines for teaching students to process visually/spatially and materials which build on the specific strengths of each type of thinker.