Cognitive Styles in Reflective, Impulsive, and Hyperactive Boys and Their Mothers

Abstract

10 reflective and 10 impulsive boys were compared with 10 hyperactive boys on measures of reflection-impulsivity and field dependence-independence. These reflective boys were more field-independent than the impulsive and hyperactive ones. However, the hyperactive and impulsive Ss did not differ on either cognitive style measure, suggesting that the school problems of this hyperactive group cannot be explained in terms of inefficient cognitive strategies. Mothers' cognitive styles were also assessed. Although there were no group differences, mothers with low error scores on the measure of reflection-impulsivity were more field-independent, suggesting that these styles may be related in adults.