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Intellectual styles are individuals'preferred ways of using the abilities that they possess. The extent to which one can change his or her intellectual style is a question of interest to both researchers and the general public. This book presents the first comprehensive and systematic review of existing research on the malleability of intellectual styles. By critically analyzing research findings derived from both cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations performed over the past seven decades, Li-fang Zhang demonstrates that intellectual styles can be modified through both socialization and purposeful training. Professor Zhang elucidates the heuristic value of these findings for the development of adaptive intellectual styles in both academic and non-academic settings. She proposes further avenues of research that might advance scholarly understanding of the nature of and the potential for modifying intellectual styles.

'...provide[s] and in-depth review of intellectual styles...All the contributors provide important information...Each chapter includes extensive references...Summing up: Recommended.ChoiceTeachers too often assume that student performance levels are based solely on the student's intelligence, effort, and motivation. This book takes a unique perspective, arguing that the difference in students'performance may be nothing more than differences in intellectual styles of learning or thinking. Intellectual styles simply refer to individualized ways of processing information.This stimulating and provocative text integrates the most recent theories and research on intellectual styles. The internationally acclaimed contributors address cutting-edge, controversial issues in the field that have yet to be resolved, including whether certain intellectual styles are better than others, how creativity affects intellectual style, and whether styles are traits or states.Key Features: Distinguishes intellectual styles from other constructs, such as intellectual capacity or effort levels Situates the field of styles within the larger context of the psychological, educational, and business literatures Provides concrete guidelines for researchers, teachers, and employers to apply the concept of intellectual styles to educational and business settings Researchers, teachers, employers, psychologists, and students will find this book to be a fascinating, engaging read, offering a breadth and depth of insight into the nature of intellectual styles.