Note: Please read the Introduction first as it brings up some important points about learning styles and then read about the Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic learning styles.
This survey is designed to help you gain an understanding of learning styles so that you can incorporate the various learning styles in your daily learning activities. It is NOT meant to show you your best way of learning as the research does not promote that. Rather, it is a tool for learning-to-learn (metacognition) in order to increase self-awareness about your strengths and weaknesses as a learner so that hopefully you will try the various means of learning, rather than sticking with your preferred methods.
Note that like any survey of this nature, it is not 100 percent accurate, but it should help you gain some understanding of your preferred learning styles based on three on modalities: Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic.
For a learning style survey based on the two continuums of Processing and Perception, see the Learning Style Survey.
VAK Survey
Read each statement carefully. To the left of each statement, write the number that best describes how each statement applies to you by using the following guide:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Almost Never Applies | Applies Once in a While | Sometimes Applies | Often Applies | Almost Always Applies |
Answer honestly as there are no correct or incorrect answers. It is best if you do not think about each question too long, as this could lead you to the wrong conclusion.
Once you have completed all 36 statements (12 statements in three sections), total your score in the spaces provided.
Section One - Visual
_____ 1. I take lots of notes and I like to doodle.
_____ 2. When talking to someone else I have the hardest time handling those who do not maintain good eye contact with me.
_____ 3. I make lists and notes because I remember things better if I write them down.
_____ 4. When reading a novel I pay a lot of attention to passages picturing the clothing, description, scenery, setting, etc.
_____ 5. I need to write down directions so that I may remember them.
_____ 6. I need to see the person I am taking to in order in order to keep my attention focused on the subject.
_____ 7. When meeting a person for the first time I notice the style of dress, visual characteristics, and neatness first.
_____ 8. When I am at a party, one of the things I love to do is stand back and "people-watch."
_____ 9. When recalling information I can see it in my mind and remember where I saw it.
_____ 10. If I had to explain a new procedure or technique, I would prefer to write it out.
_____ 11. With free time I am most likely to watch television or read.
_____ 12. If my boss has a message for me, I am most comfortable when she sends a memo.
Total For Visual _______ (note: the minimum is 12 and maximum is 60)
Section Two - Auditory
_____ 1. When I read, I read out loud or move my lips to hear the words in my head.
_____ 2. When talking to someone else I have the hardest time handling those who do not talk back with me.
_____ 3. I do not take a lot of notes but I still remember what was said. Taking notes distracts me from the speaker.
_____ 4. When reading a novel I pay a lot of attention to passages involving conversations, talking, speaking, dialogues, etc.
_____ 5. I like to talk to myself when solving a problem or writing.
_____ 6. I can understand what a speaker says, even if I am not focused on the speaker.
_____ 7. I remember things easier by repeating them again and again.
_____ 8. When I am at a party, one of the things I love to do is talk in-depth about a subject that is important to me with a good conversationalist.
_____ 9. I would rather receive information from the radio, rather than a newspaper.
_____ 10. If I had to explain a new procedure or technique, I would prefer telling about it.
_____ 11. With free time I am most likely to listen to music.
_____ 12. If my boss has a message for me, I am most comfortable when she calls on the phone.
Total For Auditory _______ (note: the minimum is 12 and maximum is 60)
Section Three - Kinesthetic
_____ 1. I am not good at reading or listening to directions. I would rather just start working on the task or project at hand.
_____ 2. When talking to someone else I have the hardest time handling those who do not show any kind of emotional support.
_____ 3. I take notes and doodle but I rarely go back a look at them.
_____ 4. When reading a novel I pay a lot of attention to passages revealing feelings, moods, action, drama, etc.
_____ 5. When I am reading, I move my lips.
_____ 6. I will exchange words and places and use my hands a lot when I can't remember the right thing to say.
_____ 7. My desk appears disorganized.
_____ 8. When I am at a party, one of the things I love to do is enjoy the activities such as dancing, games, and totally losing myself in the action.
_____ 9. I like to move around. I feel trapped when seated at a meeting or a desk.
_____ 10. If I had to explain a new procedure or technique, I would prefer actually demonstrating it.
_____ 11. With free time I am most likely to exercise.
_____ 12. If my boss has a message for me, I am most comfortable when she talks to me in person.
Total For Kinesthetic _______ (note: the minimum is 12 and maximum is 60)
SCORING PROCEDURES
Total each section and place the sum in the blocks below:
| VISUAL | AUDITORY | KINESTHETIC |
number of points: ________ |
number of points: ________ |
number of points: ________ |
While you prefer to learn by using the highest score above, you will best learn by using all three styles, rather than your preferred learning style.
Reliability and Validity
This survey was designed as a learning tool for use in training programs such as leadership development and learning-to-learn (metalearning), rather than a research tool, thus it has not been formally checked for reliability or validity. However, in order to be of any use to the learners, it has to be fairly accurate. My qualifications include a B.A. in psychology, a M.A. in Human Resource Development, and several years designing and delivering various learning and training programs. In addition, I have received feedback from various sources and has been updated several times.