Theory of Mental Self-government as a five-dimension taxonomy of thinking styles¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article organizes thinking styles measurement around Sternberg's Theory of Mental Self-government, which it calls a popular theory that "includes the most elements of thinking styles and structures that correspond with both Western and Eastern contexts." The theory "divides multidimensional styles of thinking into 5 dimensions": functions (legislative, executive, judicial), forms (monarchic, hierarchic, oligarchic, anarchic), levels (global, local), scope (internal, external), and leanings (liberal, conservative), producing a profile of styles rather than a single style.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Measurement of the styles requires a self-report scale created according to the theory's concepts, since styles are characteristics hidden in each individual and difficult to measure directly

Constraints¶

• The article notes the original Thinking Style Inventory showed low reliability in Eastern society and culture contexts and could not clarify which style an individual has in each dimension

Target Learners¶

• sixth grade students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• understanding individual differences in learners' thinking styles to inform learning activities and educational measurement and evaluation

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Sternberg's mental self-government model of intellectual styles

Examples¶

• Sternberg's intellectual styles inventory under validation
• Situational thinking styles scale for sixth grade students with computer program package and manual

Key Sources¶

• Chaiyapornpattana, N., & Wongwanich, S. (2009). Development of a multidimensional thinking styles scale based on theory of mental self-government for sixth grade students. Research in Higher Education Journal. http://www.aabri.com