Effect of Cognitive Styles and Learned Helplessness (Cognitive Exhaustion Model) on Solving Cognitive Problems

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of cognitive styles and learned helplessness (cognitive exhaustion model) on cognitive problem solving. Initially, 90 Ss with analytic, intermediate and wholistic cognitive styles were selected by using Riding’s Cognitive Styles Analysis test (CSA).Then, Ss were randomly assigned to six groups, each with 15 participants. The experiment consisted of two phases: In the first phase Ss were exposed to cognitive problems: experimental group with unsolvable problems and control groupe with solvable problems. Then all Ss were exposed to cognitive problems to compare groups. Data were analyzed by (ANOVA) and Tukey post hoc test. Results indicated that performance of individuals with different cognitive styles differed in helplessness situation. In other words, the effect of helplessness was decreased in Ss with analytic cognitive style as compared with wholistic and intermediate whereas the effect of helplessness was increased in Ss with wholistic cognitive style as compared with analytic and intermediate Ss. So, in helplesseness situation, considering wholistic cognitive style is critical and very important. Results encompass educational implications for prevention of helplessness and behavioral management, with relation to cognitive style, not only in social situations but also in problem solving situations.