Cognitive Styles in Law Schools.

Differences in cognitive styles were studied in a selected group of over 800 students at 20 law schools throughout the U.S. Two major styles are identified in this book: that of the monopath, who follows a single route of established principles and procedures, and that of the polypath, who takes many routes, as circumstances suggest. A battery of both new and standard tests was administered to both law students and their professors to investigate differences in cognitive style and their relationships to self-image, anxiety, and academic achievement. This also revealed differences in prevailing styles at different law schools. The research format developed in this study is applicable to the professions of medicine, education, social work, and others in which cognitive and communication styles play a central role in determining outcomes. Appended to the book are: the research questionnaire; a test called "Oral Solution of Verbal Problems;" and Authorization Statements A and B, for student permission of administrative release of final course grades. A bibliography with nearly 100 entries is also included. (LBH)