A reassessment of the factor structure of the Allinson-Hayes Cognitive Style Index

Previous research has suggested that the nature of cognitive style was incorrectly specified by Allinson and Hayes (1996) when they presented their Cognitive Style Index (CSI) as a unitary conception of the construct. Hodgkinson and Sadler-Smith (2003) presented empirical evidence suggesting that a two-factor model with correlated factors provides a better approximation of responses to the CSI. In their rebuttal, Hayes, Allinson, Hudson, and Keasey (2003) concluded that these authors had failed to present a robust challenge to the construct validity of the CSI. However, their arguments were purely theoretical with no empirical evidence to support this assertion. In this study, we report the findings of a series of confirmatory factor analyses (N=593) in an attempt to either replicate or refute Hodgkinson and Sadler-Smith's earlier findings. Results suggest that research using the CSI should continue on the basis of its unifactorial structure. •Authors of the cognitive style index (CSI) suggest cognitive style is a unitary concept.•Other researchers argue for a two-factor model with correlated factors.•The factor structure of the CSI is re-examined.•Findings of a series of confirmatory factor analyses (N=593) are reported.•Results conclude research should continue on the basis of a unifactorial structure.