FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
PUBLICATIONS
AVIATION MEDICINE REPORTS

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-99/12

Title and Subtitle: Cognitive Style and Learning: Performance of Adaptors and Innovators in a Novel Dynamic Task

Report Date: April 1999

Authors: Pounds, J., and Bailey, L.L.

Abstract: This research investigated whether cognitive style (Kirton, 1976) influenced performance in a novel dynamic task modeled on the task of controlling air traffic. It was hypothesized that participants who preferred a more adaptive style of processing would show better performance than those who preferred a more innovative style. Problems were presented to participants using computer-based scenarios in screening, practice, and experimental trials. Based on earlier research, better performance was more likely when the participant adhered to the rules of the scenario. Performance was measured by the number of times the participant violated two types of scenario rules. Screening, practice, and experimental performance were analyzed separately. Cognitive style had a significant effect on performance only during experimental trials. Performance of Adaptors improved across trials while that of Innovators did not. Results suggest that Innovators, although perhaps having some initial advantage, may not be able to sustain performance in this type of task.

Key Words: Cognitive Style, Performance, Learning, Innovation, Reasoning, Practice, Air Traffic Control

No. of Pages: 12