Cognition, Creativity, and Learning

Abstract

While personality relates to one’s behavior as a whole, cognitive function relates more explicitly to mental information processing. Since the majority of system development work and IT work in general involves intellectual functioning, it is not difficult to see that how a person performs “mind work” is a relevant psychological factor in IT work. In fact, it is in the area of cognition that a majority of psychological research in computing/information systems has been carried out. This section, however, does not aim primarily to present and discuss specific research findings. Rather, by reference to numerous, relevant sources, it aims to present in “layman’s terms” main points on cognitive, creativity, and learning styles to a broad audience of IT professionals and academics. It then tries to relate differences in style to effectiveness of IT work, and argues for the benefits of style awareness and conscious cooperation among IT professionals. Finally the inclusion of “style wisdom” in the psychological intelligence set of the IT professional is promoted.