I need help

PSY 346: 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: (a) take one side; and, (b) 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.

Cont.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. 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.)

• Summarize the author(s)’ paper and conclusions (provide in-text

citations)

• Critique and discuss the article

• Provide real world applications of the results

2. 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.

3. 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:

a. Introduction (1st page)

b. Summary & Critique of articles (2nd and 3rd page)

c. Conclusion (4th page)

d. References (5th page)

4. Formatting: please use APA style throughout the paper for in-text

citations and the “References” page where you will list your sources.

5. The paper should contain minimal grammar, spelling and punctuation errors

(or none at all). Having another person read over your paper is always a

good strategy to employ as it’s tough to accurately proof read your own

paper.

Grading Rubric:

Introduction /4 pts [an explanation of theory (theories) behind Learning

Styles; your stance prior on its validity prior to consulting

research (based on your experience, prior learning, etc.);

why it matters, and possible practical applications] … you

will find many articles discussing Learning Styles in

academic and other non-academic journal publications that

you can consult to address this part of the question]

Summary/Critique of Articles /10 pts [Peer-reviewed article (1 pt), Review (2 pts) /

Critique (2 pts) each article]

Conclusion /4 pts [Your feeling towards the veracity and utility of

Learning Styles; how they should or should not be

incorporated based on your brief review of the literature.]

APA /2 pts [correct in-text citations and “References” page]

Total points possible: /20 pts

Please email me with any questions or concerns. The paper is due: October 22nd,

2023 by 11:00 pm.