This is a British contribution to the field. It is discerning and scholarly. Different concepts are clearly distinguished and defined. The authors have critically assessed the literature of diverse models of cognitive styles and only accept two basic dimensions --the wholistic-analytic (tendency to organise information into wholes or parts) and the verbal-imagery (tendency to represent information verbally or in mental pictures). Cognitive style is an independent construct or psychological notion, not related to intelligence, personality and gender. It is an important component of individual differences. It is related to a range of behaviours, including learning performance, social responses and occupational stress. Style (fairly fixed with probable physiological basis) is also distinct from learning strategy (can be learned). Riding and Cheema (1991) have developed a computer-based assessment tool, Cognitive Styles Analysis (CSA). Riding also has a booklet on Personal Style Aswareness (PSA) for personal development. All the representative learning style models associated with a learning-centred tradition are also evaluated. Part II elaborates on the relationship of style with behaviour. This is an academic book valuable for understanding the concepts. It is not immediately useful for teachers.
