Does reaction time and memory vary in students with different learning styles?

Introduction: Learning styles are characteristic to individuals since they prefer a modality for perception and processing of the information in different learning situations. VARK, model proposed by Fleming, is an acronym that stands for Visual (V), Aural (A), Read/Write (R), and Kinesthetic (K) preference modalities. VARK has been used in various educational filed to study students preferred learning style. However, there is lack of objective evidence in support of the VARK learning style. The present study was designed to investigate whether reaction time and memory varied in students with different learning styles. Methods: 29 participants were included in the study. 20 participants with Visual (VLS) and 9 participants with Aural Learning Styles (ALS) classified on the basis of VARK questionnaire and VARK Research algorithm were included. We then subjected them to Auditory Reaction Test (ART), Visual Reaction Test (VRT), auditory and visual memory tests to compare their reaction time and memory with respect to their learning styles. Results: It was observed that the mean ART was faster than the mean VRT in both the learners. The mean VRT was found to be faster than the mean ART in VLS and the mean ART was found to be faster than their mean VRT in ALS. But the above findings were also found to be statistically insignificant. VLS outperformed ALS in Word Memory tests and ALS scores were better in Digit Memory, however ANOVA did not reveal any significant differences in both the two learning style groups. Conclusion: Further objective studies are needed to be done in participants with A or V learning style classified according to the VARK Research algorithm, to give more evidence in support of the VARK learning styles.