Reference no: EM133557852

Assignment: Learning Styles Research Paper

Description:

I would like you to research and write a succinct 4 page paper (not including the "References" page) on Learning Styles - empirically founded or neuromythology? There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the topic of Learning Styles and whether they actually exist or are rather a popular idea that grabbed hold and stuck based on anecdotal evidence and reasoning. I do not mind which side of the argument you choose to take as long as you: (i) take one side; and, (ii) defend it with sound evidence from current psychological literature. Please demonstrate that you have critically thought through the answer, rather than merely reporting what you have researched and read.

Learning styles are commonly thought of as sensory in nature - e.g., VARK visual, auditory, kinestic, and reading/writing. It is hypothesized that we each have a preferred learning style in which we best learn and perform. Despite the appeal of this idea, a great deal of psychological research has failed to support this contention. Thus, the controversy! It's often characterized as a debate between the educators and the psychologists. Imagine that, controversy within the discipline of psychology! Who knew?!

I want you to analyze this topic and write a directional paper arguing for or against (empirically sound or neuromythological) the phenomenon of Learning Styles. You can consider Learning Styles in any applied setting you wish: academic, sports, on-the-job, all of the above. I want you to make this topic relevant to you and something you care about.

Task

I. Read, summarize, and critique 2 current psychological journal articles related to this question. These must be peer-reviewed and current (2010 -present). I would recommend using PsychINFO through the library to access these materials. You may also use other scholarly search engines such as Medline, PsychARTICLES, etc.)

i. Summarize the author(s)' paper and conclusions (provide in-text citations)
ii. Critique and discuss the article
iii. Provide real world applications of the results

II. In addition to the summary/critique for each article, type up a 1 page Introduction on the topic, including: an explanation of theory (theories) behind Learning Styles (assume the reader knows nothing about Learning Styles theory); your stance on its validity prior to consulting research; why this question of validity matters, and practical applications. Thus, you are introducing the reader to the notion of Learning Styles - what they are - and why controversy exists over their veracity.

III. You will also type a 1 page Conclusion on the topic following the presentation of your 2 research articles. This should help confirm and argue your point of view and include specific recommendations on their use or misuse.

So, your paper will appear as:

i. Introduction (1st page)
ii. Summary & Critique of articles (2nd and 3rd page)
iii. Conclusion (4th page)
iv. References (5th page)