Within Teacher Belief
Why survey questions make the myth easy to endorse
Small changes in survey wording can blur preferences, variety and the stronger matching claim that evidence reviews reject.
On this page
- Preference versus matching in common survey items
- Why harmless sounding wording changes the result
- How future surveys could ask the question more clearly
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Introduction
Survey results showing overwhelming belief in learning styles are often treated as straightforward evidence that educators endorse the theory. However, a closer look at the wording of many survey questions reveals an important complication: small changes in phrasing can blur the distinction between a harmless claim about learning preferences and the much stronger “matching” claim that research reviews have repeatedly failed to support. As a result, some survey items may make endorsement easier than the headline percentages suggest. The issue is not that survey findings are meaningless, but that question wording can shape what respondents think they are agreeing with. Understanding this wording effect is essential for interpreting the often-cited figures showing widespread belief in learning styles. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
Preference versus matching in common survey items
The most frequently used survey item in learning-styles research asks respondents whether “individuals learn better when they receive information in their preferred learning style.” Variants of this wording appeared in influential studies that found very high levels of agreement among educators. [Springer]link.springer.comLearning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies?An Explanation…by J Hattie · 2025 · Cited by 75 — In summary, 89% of teachers agreed that students learn better when taught with their…
At first glance, the statement seems reasonable. Many people do have preferences for diagrams, reading, discussion, demonstrations or hands-on activities. The problem is that the survey item does not explicitly explain the scientific claim being tested. Researchers who criticise learning styles are usually challenging the matching hypothesis (sometimes called the meshing hypothesis): the idea that students classified into style categories learn more effectively when instruction is matched to that category. [Bjork Learning and Forgetting Lab]bjorklab.psych.ucla.eduBjork Learning and Forgetting Lab Learning StylesBjork Learning and Forgetting LabLearning StylesDecember 8, 2009 — by H Pashler · Cited by 5025 — Assessments of learning style typically… [PMC]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govModality-Specific Learning Style Hypothesis: A Mini-Reviewby K Aslaksen · 2018 · Cited by 98 — Several topical reviews have concluded tha…
Those are not the same propositions:
- Preference claim: learners may like some formats more than others.
- Variety claim: different teaching approaches can increase engagement or accessibility.
- Matching claim: students learn better when instruction is tailored to a diagnosed learning style.
Only the third claim is the core learning-styles hypothesis tested in experimental research. Yet survey wording often leaves respondents free to interpret the statement as the first or second claim. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
This distinction matters because evidence reviews have generally found little or no support for the matching hypothesis itself, even while acknowledging that preferences exist and that varied instruction can be useful. [Bjork Learning and Forgetting Lab]bjorklab.psych.ucla.eduBjork Learning and Forgetting Lab Learning StylesBjork Learning and Forgetting LabLearning StylesDecember 8, 2009 — by H Pashler · Cited by 5025 — Assessments of learning style typically… [PMC]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.govModality-Specific Learning Style Hypothesis: A Mini-Reviewby K Aslaksen · 2018 · Cited by 98 — Several topical reviews have concluded tha…
Why harmless-sounding wording changes the result
The strongest evidence that wording matters comes from analyses comparing responses to questions about learning preferences with responses to questions about learning styles.
A systematic review by Newton and Salvi examined studies that asked both types of question. If respondents clearly distinguished between “people have preferences” and “people learn better when teaching matches those preferences”, one would expect substantially different endorsement rates. Instead, the review found no significant difference between the two response patterns across the studies analysed. Agreement with the preference statement and agreement with the matching statement were remarkably similar. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
That finding suggests many respondents may not be interpreting the matching question as researchers intend. The survey instrument may be measuring a broader belief in personalisation or learner differences rather than a precise commitment to the meshing hypothesis. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
Another clue comes from studies that provided additional explanation before asking about learning styles. Newton and Salvi noted that belief levels were substantially lower in studies where participants received clearer descriptions of what matching instruction to learning styles actually means. The weighted average agreement in those studies was far below the headline figures often reported elsewhere. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
More recent discussions of the persistence of learning-styles beliefs have reached a similar conclusion. Researchers argue that educational discussions frequently mix together learning styles, learning preferences, study strategies and differentiated instruction. When these concepts are merged, respondents may endorse a survey statement because they support one of those ideas rather than the specific matching hypothesis under investigation. [ResearchGate]researchgate.netResearch Gate(PDF) Learning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies?1, 2025 — 1 Apr 2025 — This paper examines the resurgence of learning styles across meta-analyses and proposes an explanation…
A concrete example of survey ambiguity
Consider two hypothetical survey items:
- “Students learn better when they receive information in their preferred learning style.”
- “Students identified as visual learners learn more from visual instruction than from other forms of instruction, while auditory learners learn more from auditory instruction.”
The first statement sounds compatible with common classroom experience. A respondent might think of a pupil who enjoys diagrams or prefers discussing ideas aloud. The second statement is much more specific. It requires agreement with a testable causal claim about categorising learners and tailoring instruction accordingly.
Research on learning-styles belief suggests that many surveys rely on wording closer to the first example than the second. Consequently, reported endorsement rates may combine several beliefs that researchers would prefer to separate. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported… [Carolina Digital Repository]cdr.lib.unc.eduCarolina Digital RepositoryWhy educators endorse a neuromythby C Bresnahan · 2024 · Cited by 8 — Second, research studies often strictly…
This does not mean the survey respondents are confused or careless. Rather, the language of learning styles has become intertwined with broadly accepted educational values such as responsiveness to individual learners, flexibility and inclusive teaching. Those positive associations make endorsement more likely when survey wording remains general. [Carolina Digital Repository]cdr.lib.unc.eduCarolina Digital RepositoryWhy educators endorse a neuromythby C Bresnahan · 2024 · Cited by 8 — Second, research studies often strictly…
How future surveys could ask the question more clearly
If the goal is to measure belief in the learning-styles myth specifically, survey design can reduce ambiguity.
Researchers could separate at least three distinct questions:
- Do learners have preferences for how information is presented?
- Should teachers use a variety of instructional approaches?
- Does matching teaching to an identified learning style improve learning outcomes?
Asking these separately would allow researchers to determine which idea respondents actually support. Someone might agree strongly with the first two statements while rejecting the third. Current survey designs do not always make that distinction visible. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
Surveys could also define key terms before questioning. Instead of assuming a shared understanding of “learning style”, researchers could explicitly describe the matching hypothesis and then ask whether respondents believe it improves learning. Evidence from studies providing additional explanation suggests that clarification can materially affect endorsement rates. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
A further improvement would be to ask respondents to evaluate specific scenarios rather than abstract statements. Concrete examples make it easier to distinguish support for learner preferences from support for matching instruction to fixed learner categories.
What the wording issue means for interpreting survey evidence
The evidence does not overturn the broader finding that belief in learning styles is widespread. Large surveys and systematic reviews consistently show high levels of endorsement among educators. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported… Springer What the wording evidence changes is how those numbers should be interpreted. A response endorsing [link.springer.com]link.springer.comLearning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies?An Explanation…by J Hattie · 2025 · Cited by 75 — In summary, 89% of teachers agreed that students learn better when taught with their…“preferred learning styles” may not always indicate commitment to the precise matching hypothesis rejected by major evidence reviews. Some respondents may instead be expressing support for learner preferences, instructional variety or personalised teaching. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported… [Carolina Digital Repository]cdr.lib.unc.eduCarolina Digital RepositoryWhy educators endorse a neuromythby C Bresnahan · 2024 · Cited by 8 — Second, research studies often strictly…
For that reason, the most informative question is not simply how many people agree with a learning-styles statement, but exactly what statement they were asked to endorse. In the learning-styles debate, a few words can make the difference between measuring belief in a disputed educational theory and measuring support for ideas that most educators already accept. [Frontiers]frontiersin.orgFrontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles NeuromythFrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth…December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported…
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Endnotes
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Source: link.springer.com
Title: Learning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies?
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-025-10002-wSource snippet
An Explanation...by J Hattie · 2025 · Cited by 75 — In summary, 89% of teachers agreed that students learn better when taught with their...
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Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6113575/Source snippet
Modality-Specific Learning Style Hypothesis: A Mini-Reviewby K Aslaksen · 2018 · Cited by 98 — Several topical reviews have concluded tha...
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Source: researchgate.net
Title: Research Gate(PDF) Learning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies?
Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390403474_Learning_Styles_Preferences_or_Strategies_An_Explanation_for_the_Resurgence_of_Styles_Across_Many_Meta-analysesSource snippet
1, 2025 — 1 Apr 2025 — This paper examines the resurgence of learning styles across meta-analyses and proposes an explanation...
Published: April 1, 2025
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Source: link.springer.com
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11251-024-09689-1Source snippet
the meshing hypothesis in prospective teachers: Are...by L Melzner · 2025 · Cited by 5 — The study provides further evidence that consid...
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Source: frontiersin.org
Title: Frontiers How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth
Link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2020.602451/fullSource snippet
FrontiersHow Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth...December 14, 2020 — by PM Newton · 2020 · Cited by 207 — Self-reported...
Published: December 14, 2020
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Source: cdr.lib.unc.edu
Link: https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/downloads/gx41mv91mSource snippet
Carolina Digital RepositoryWhy educators endorse a neuromythby C Bresnahan · 2024 · Cited by 8 — Second, research studies often strictly...
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Source: bjorklab.psych.ucla.edu
Title: Bjork Learning and Forgetting Lab Learning Styles
Link: https://bjorklab.psych.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2016/07/Pashler_McDaniel_Rohrer_Bjork_2009_PSPI.pdfSource snippet
Bjork Learning and Forgetting LabLearning StylesDecember 8, 2009 — by H Pashler · Cited by 5025 — Assessments of learning style typically...
Published: December 8, 2009
Additional References
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Source: gc-bs.org
Link: [https://gc-bs.org/articles/from-styles-to-science-debunkingSource snippet
Debunking the Learning Styles Myth and Embracing...12 Jan 2026 — The central claim, known as the meshing hypothesis, that learning is op...
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Source: rsisinternational.org
Link: https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijrsi/articles/learning-styles-and-teaching-styles-as-factors-affecting-students-engagement-of-learners-with-learning-disabilities/Source snippet
Learning Styles and Teaching Styles as Factors Affecting...14 Jul 2025 — The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship betwe...
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Source: my.chartered.college
Link: https://my.chartered.college/impact_article/the-problem-with-learning-styles-debunking-the-meshing-hypothesis-in-english-language-teaching/Source snippet
problem with learning styles: debunking the meshing...22 Feb 2018 — The idea that catering to a learner's favoured sensory preference, o...
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Source: swansea.ac.uk
Link: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/press-office/news-events/news/2021/01/new-review-says-ineffective-learning-styles-theory-persists-in-education-around-the-world-.phpSource snippet
Swansea UniversityNew review says ineffective 'learning styles' theory persists...6 Jan 2021 — They found 89.1 per cent of 15,045 educat...
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Source: cronfa.swan.ac.uk
Title: swan.ac.uk Evidence-Based Higher Education – Is the Learning
Link: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa32734Source snippet
Cronfaby PM Newton · 2017 · Cited by 470 — Abstract. The basic idea behind the use of 'Learning Styles' is that learners can be categoriz...
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Source: td.org
Title: l d neuromyth learning styles visual auditory kinesthetic
Link: https://www.td.org/content/atd-blog/l-d-neuromyth-learning-styles-visual-auditory-kinestheticSource snippet
L&D Neuromyth: Learning Styles (Visual, Auditory...30 Jun 2015 — As noted in “Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence,” the myth of learn...
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Source: ouci.dntb.gov.ua
Title: dntb.gov.ua Learning Styles, Preferences, or Strategies?
Link: https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/4M1rdxKY/Source snippet
paper examines the resurgence of learning styles across meta-analyses and proposes an explanation for their enduring appeal. D...
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Source: danielwillingham.com
Link: https://www.danielwillingham.com/daniel-willingham-science-and-education-blog/how-many-people-believe-learning-styles-theories-are-right-and-whySource snippet
How many people believe learning styles theories are right...4 Sept 2017 — Learning styles theory was endorsed by 93% of the public, and...
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Source: blogs.northampton.ac.uk
Link: https://blogs.northampton.ac.uk/learntech/2016/06/16/question-whats-your-preferred-learning-style/Source snippet
northampton.ac.ukQuestion: What's Your Preferred Learning Style?16 Jun 2016 — Students don't really learn better when receiving informati...
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Source: doaj.org
Link: https://doaj.org/article/f4c1d0affe394f75b255362a0f7121c4Source snippet
weighted percentage of 89.1%, ranging from 58 to 97.6%.Read more...
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