Cognitive Style Index (CSI)
Build awareness of yourself and others
| Author/s: | Christopher Allinson and John Hayes |
|---|---|
| Administration: | Online |
| Qualification code: | OC3 |
Description
The Cognitive Style Index (CSI) is an online questionnaire which measures your attitude, preference and approach in relation to:
– Problem solving
– Learning style
– Decision making
– Carrying out tasks
Extensive research by the authors into a range of models and literature around learning and cognitive styles has resulted in a highly reliable and valid psychometric measure of cognitive style. Results categorise responders as having one of five cognitive styles ranging from analysis (left-brained) to intuitive (right-brained) at either end.
Sample report
More information about CSI can be found in the Factsheet (pdf), Sample report (pdf) and manual (see right hand menu).
Benefits
CSI has already been used by a number of organisations in development interventions - see applications and case studies (see right hand side).
The benefits include its low cost, accessibility (no training is needed to use or interpret the questionnaire and reports), its length (only 38 itmes), reliability and validity and the easy to understand reports. In certain contexts, therefore, CSI can be a viable alternative to some personality questionnaires which measure preferences but require costly training in their use.
Understanding your own cognitive style can help improve self-awareness of your preferences in these important areas. Self-awareness is also viewed as a fundamental starting point to personal development and working effectively whilst an awareness of the differences in others’ cognitive styles can lead to greater understanding, more effective team working and improved productivity.
An increasing number of employers request that applicants for job vacancies and apprenticeship schemes possess not only the required skills and qualifications but also demonstrate a greater self-awareness of how they prefer to work and learn.
Knowledge of your CSI helps you to understand the type of activities and way of working you are most likely to enjoy and be motivated by. It will also help you realise that there will be times when it may be necessary to adapt your style to meet the needs of the task or situation.
The practical and easy to understand report helps individuals understand more about their own and others’ preferences.
Careful research and development has resulted in a highly reliable and valid measure of cognitive style with excellent psychometric credentials.
The assessment contains 38 questions and is untimed.
Suitability: adults aged 16+
No training is required to purchase or interpret the reports but you will need to resgister on the website (OC3)
Applications include:
– Recruitment (fit to role requirements)
– Raising awareness in self and others
– Careers guidance
– Improving communication and training
– Conflict management
– Team composition and performance
