Robert J. Sternberg is one of the most cited psychologists in the world, known primarily for his Triarchic Theory of Intelligence and his work on creativity and wisdom. His Theory of Mental Self-Government (1988, formally published in book form in 1997 as Thinking Styles) is the most comprehensive and academically rigorous framework specifically dedicated to thinking styles.
Sternberg's core argument: thinking styles are not abilities. They are preferences in the use of abilities. A person can be highly intelligent and still fail because their thinking style conflicts with what their environment demands. Conversely, someone of average ability might thrive because their style matches their context perfectly.
"The process used to solve a problem or to devise an answer." — Sternberg's definition of a thinking style
Sternberg's framework is built on a single extended metaphor: the mind as a government.
Just as societies develop different systems of government to manage collective activity, individuals develop different systems of mental self-government to manage their own cognitive activity. The types of governments that exist in the world are not arbitrary — they reflect different ways of organizing human activity. Sternberg argues these same organizational principles apply to the individual mind.
The theory describes 13 thinking styles organized across 5 dimensions:
How does the person prefer to approach tasks?
The legislative thinker likes to create, formulate, and plan. They prefer tasks that allow them to come up with their own rules and approaches. They enjoy doing things their own way.