Questionnaire Description

This questionnaire is based on the Cognitive Style Index (CSI), developed by Allinson and Hayes (1996), with the aim of measuring individuals’ cognitive style on a continuum ranging from analytical to intuitive. The instrument consists of 38 statements to which participants are asked to indicate their degree of agreement or disagreement. Responses are given on a five-point Likert scale ranging from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.” The statements are designed to capture stable cognitive preferences in how individuals approach and process information.

Purpose

The main objective of the questionnaire is to identify each individual’s cognitive predisposition when it comes to decision-making, problem-solving, and learning. Specifically, it detects whether a person tends to rely more on logical, analytical information processing or on rapid, holistic, and intuitive interpretation of situations. The tool is valuable in research, educational, and organizational contexts, as it facilitates the understanding of differences in thinking styles, communication, and performance within teams.

Data Analysis and Use

Each participant’s score is derived by summing the responses to the 38 statements, after reverse scoring of certain negatively worded items as per the authors’ guidelines. The total score ranges from 0 to 76. Higher scores indicate a stronger analytical orientation, while lower scores suggest a greater tendency toward intuitive thinking. The score distribution can be used either as a continuous variable or by categorizing individuals into three types: analytical (high score), balanced (moderate score), and intuitive (low score).

Calibration

The Cognitive Style Index has been calibrated and validated through various research studies in educational and organizational settings. The developers, Allinson and Hayes, reported test-retest reliability and internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.84 to 0.92, indicating high reliability. The tool shows strong construct validity and has been significantly correlated with other measures of cognitive style and personality. Its use with Greek populations would require formal translation, statistical validation, and cultural adaptation in accordance with international methodological guidelines.

References

Allinson, C. W., & Hayes, J. (1996). The Cognitive Style Index: A measure of intuition-analysis for organizational research. Journal of Management Studies, 33(1), 119–135.
Sadler-Smith, E., & Badger, B. (1998). Cognitive style, learning and innovation. Technology Analysis & Strategic Management, 10(2), 247–265.
Hayes, J., & Allinson, C. W. (1998). Cognitive style and the theory and practice of individual and collective learning in organizations. Human Relations, 51(7), 847–871.