认知风格是认知心理学中用来描述个人思维、知觉、记忆以及运用知识解决问题的方式的一个术语。认知风格与认知能力（水平）不同，后者可以通过能力倾向测验或所谓智力测验进行测量。对于认知风格的准确内涵仍有争议。不过，它已经是教育和管理领域的一个关键概念。如果一名学生的认知风格与教师类似，这个学生就会有更积极的学习经历，学习将会改善。同样，队员如果拥有类似的认知风格，将会使他们对于参与有更积极的感受。而认知风格的匹配将使参与者与人共事时感觉更为舒适，虽然它并不能独自保证取得胜利的结果。一些关于认知风格的概念和测量方法仍在讨论中。

Cognitive style or "thinking style" is a term used in cognitive psychology to describe the way individuals think, perceive and remember information. Cognitive style differs from cognitive ability (or level), the latter being measured by aptitude tests or so-called intelligence tests. There is controversy over the exact meaning of the term "cognitive style" and whether it is a single or multiple dimension of human personality. However it remains a key concept in the areas of education and management. If a pupil has a cognitive style that is similar to that of his/her teacher, the chances are improved that the pupil will have a more positive learning experience. Likewise, team members with similar cognitive styles likely feel more positive about their participation with the team. While matching cognitive styles may make participants feel more comfortable when working with one another, this alone cannot guarantee the success of the outcome.