In order to meet student needs, it is necessary to understand their characteristics and how these characteristics might relate to their perceptions about their online learning experiences. The theoretical and conceptual framework for this study is anchored by three constructs in human cognition: (a) decision making styles, (b) ways of knowing, and (c) learning preferences. For this study, these constructs are situated in the context of adult learners in higher education. They constitute a set of individual differences related to ways in which people process and use information. Because this study focused on adult learners, adult learning theory and principles form an over-arching umbrella that bounds the study's specific independent variables. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]