ABSTRACT
The distinction between analytical strategies and non-analytical strategies has historically been researched with reference to cognitive style. Roy and Miller (1957) concluded: ‘we could identify no single factor that had as strong predictive power of the adoption behaviour [of strategies] as the cognitive style factor’. The aim of this chapter is to outline the research on cognitive styles, highlighting an analytical/ trial-and-error continuum of cognitive style. This will then be combined with the concept of Locus of Control (discussed in chapter 3) to discuss differing program styles, through the work of Sherry Turkle. Turkle argues that computing is a male domain, with a male style of interaction that is given priority by those within the existing ‘computer culture’. Having discussed Turkle’s influential work which focuses upon sex differences in style of thought, this chapter will conclude by emphasizing the significance of context upon measures of cognitive style to again highlight the impact of social factors affecting performance differences which have traditionally been attributed to biological bases.
