Perceptual Learning Styles and Critical Thinking: Inspecting the Association among EFL Learners

Abstract

Influenced by the acknowledged role of critical thinking and learning styles in the process of second language learning, this study attempted to systematically inspect the association between English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners' critical thinking, on one hand, and their total score of perceptual learning styles, different perceptual learning styles, and number of major perceptual learning styles, on the other hand. To do so, 595 male and female undergraduate EFL learners, between the ages of 18 and 25 (Mage = 22) participated in this study. These participants completed two instruments: a) the questionnaire of critical thinking by Honey (2000), and b) the Perceptual Learning Style Preference Survey developed by Reid (1984). Due to the violation of the assumptions of normality of distribution, the non-parametric Spearman rank order coefficient of correlation was employed in order to answer the initial 3 research questions. The obtained results indicated that there were significant and positive relationships between participants’ critical thinking and total score of perceptual learning styles, ρ = .33, n = 595, p < .01; critical thinking and the number of major perceptual learning styles, ρ = .28, n = 595, p < .01; and critical thinking and group, visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic perceptual learning styles. Furthermore, a multiple regression analysis was run which revealed that tactile learning style preference is the best predictor of EFL learners’ critical thinking (β = 0.285, t = 6.107, p = 0.0005). The study concludes with a discussion on the findings and stating a number of recommendations for further research.