Attempted Validation of the Scores of the VARK: Learning Styles Inventory With Multitrait–Multimethod Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models

2009/08/31 by Walter L. Leite, Marilla D. Svinicki, Yuying Shi · 2 citations
Psychology · Mathematics · #Learning Styles and Cognitive Differences #Confirmatory factor analysis #Kinesthetic learning #Reliability (semiconductor) #Curse of dimensionality #Psychology #Concurrent validity #Psychometrics #Scale (ratio) #Test validity #Item analysis #Statistics #Structural equation modeling #Mathematics #Clinical psychology #Developmental psychology #Internal consistency

paper · doi:10.1177/0013164409344507

openalex publication_date 2009/08/31 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

The authors examined the dimensionality of the VARK learning styles inventory. The VARK measures four perceptual preferences: visual (V), aural (A), read/write (R), and kinesthetic (K). VARK questions can be viewed as testlets because respondents can select multiple items within a question. The correlations between items within testlets are a type of method effect. Four multitrait—multimethod confirmatory factor analysis models were compared to evaluate the dimensionality of the VARK. The correlated trait—correlated method model had the best fit to the VARK scores. The estimated reliability coefficients were adequate. The study found preliminary support for the validity of the VARK scores. Potential problems related to item wording and the scale’s scoring algorithm were identified, and cautions with respect to using the VARK with research were raised.

Citations

• Learning Styles: An overview of theories, models, and measures
• The Integration of Continuous and Discrete Latent Variable Models: Potential Problems and Promising Opportunities.

Cited by

• Another Nail in the Coffin for Learning Styles? Disparities among Undergraduate Anatomy Students’ Study Strategies, Class Performance, and Reported VARK Learning Styles
• Learning styles [wikipedia]

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