The onion model: myth or reality in the field of individual differences psychology?
Cools, Eva Bellens, Kim
Cools, Eva
Bellens, Kim
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Publication Type
Journal article
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2012
Journal
Learning and Individual Differences
Book
Publication Volume
22
Publication Issue
4
Publication Begin page
455
Publication End page
462
Publication Number of pages
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Abstract
To bring order in concepts related to individual learner differences, Curry (1983) designed the three-layered onion model. As this model provides an interesting way to distinguish related concepts – such as cognitive styles and approaches to studying – on the basis of their stability in learning situations, ample studies build further on this model. Given that only few studies have been conducted to empirically test the model, we conducted two studies to address this research gap. In the first study (N = 113), analyses do not show a clear causal path from three concepts belonging to different layers in relation to learning outcomes. In the second, longitudinal study (N = 162), no support is found for differences in stability between cognitive styles and approaches to studying. Our research does not provide solid evidence for the onion model, which warns to be cautious with applying the assumptions of theoretical models in educational practice without empirical support.
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Keywords
People Management & Leadership, Individual Differences