Learning Style Questionnaire
The modality (learning channel preference) questionnaire reproduced here is by O’Brien (1985). To complete,
read each sentence carefully and consider if it applies to you. On the line in front of each statement, indicate
how often the sentence applies to you, according to the chart below. Please respond to all questions.
123
Never applies to me. Sometimes applies to me. Often applies to me.
SECTION ONE:
1. _____I enjoy doodling and even my notes have lots of pictures and arrows in them.
2. _____I remember something better if I write it down.
3. _____I get lost or am late if someone tells me how to get to a new place, and I don’t write down the
directions.
4. _____When trying to remember someone’s telephone number, or something new like that, it helps me to
get a picture of it in my mind.
5. _____If I am taking a test, I can “see” the textbook page and where the answer is located.
6. _____It helps me to look at the person while listening; it keeps me focused.
7. _____Using flashcards helps me to retain material for tests.
8. _____It’s hard for me to understand what a person is saying when there are people talking or music
playing.
9. _____It’s hard for me to understand a joke when someone tells me.
10. _____It is better for me to get work done in a quiet place.
Total______
SECTION TWO:
1. _____ My written work doesn’t look neat to me. My papers have crossed-out words and erasures.
2. _____ It helps to use my finger as a pointer when reading to keep my place.
3. _____ Papers with very small print, blotchy dittos or poor copies are tough on me.
4. _____ I understand how to do something if someone tells me, rather than having to read the same thing
to myself.
5. _____ I remember things that I hear, rather than things that I see or read.
6. _____ Writing is tiring. I press down too hard with my pen or pencil.
7. _____ My eyes get tired fast, even though the eye doctor says that my eyes are ok.
8. _____ When I read, I mix up words that look alike, such as “them” and “then,” “bad” and “dad.”
9. _____ It’s hard for me to read other people’s handwriting.
10. _____ If I had the choice to learn new information through a lecture or textbook, I would choose to hear
it rather than read it.
Total______
Continue with Section Three on the reverse side
