L.-F. Zhang: The malleability of intellectual styles

Abstract

The central message of this book is that styles “people’s preferred ways of processing information and handling tasks” (p. 4) can be changed. Fundamentally, Zhang argues that if styles are malleable they can be taught. Using intellectual styles as an umbrella concept to encompass all style constructs (e.g., cognitive styles, learning styles, learning patterns, thinking styles, learning orientations, learning dispositions, approaches to learning), Zhang explores the notion of style malleability by investigating whether styles change as a function of gender-role socialization, culture, academic discipline, occupation and with or without training interventions over time. Zhang has approached this task in herculean fashion through her systematic and in-depth exploration of research (incorporating detailed analysis of 404 articles and reports) including empirical studies from the 1960s to the present day, across different disciplines, education phases and employment, and diverse cultural co ...