Educational Psychology

Considering Individual Differences

William G. Huitt

Last Revised: July 1999

Considering Individual Differences

In general, there are three different
approaches for dealing with individual
differences among students:
Develop events of instruction that
take into account individual differences
Provide some sort of grouping in order to
reduce or accommodate the variability with
respect to student background, achievement,
ability or some other characteristic.

Considering Individual Differences

In general, there are three different
approaches for dealing with individual
differences among students:
Modify the conditions within which
instruction is taking place.

The 4MAT System

The 4MAT system is a strategy for dealing
with individual differences is to develop or
modify the events of instruction so that they
specifically address individual differences.
It is a direct instruction approach to teaching
that utilizes research on brain lateralization
dominance and learning style to identify
specific instructional events that will be
attractive to a specific type of student.

The 4MAT System

According to Bernice McCarthy, developer of the
4MAT system, there are 4 major learning styles, each
of which asks different questions and displays
different strengths during the learning process.
These styles are based on the work of Gregorc &
Butler (1984) and are similar to the temperaments
as defined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
(MBTI) and the Kiersy Temperament Sorter.
Gregorc, A., & Butler, K. (1984, April). Learning is a matter of style.
VocEd, 27-29.

The 4MAT System

Concrete-Random
SP (Sensing/Perceiving)
Sanquine

WHY?

The 4MAT System

Abstract-Sequential
NJ (Intuitive/Judging)
Choleric

WHAT?

The 4MAT System

Concrete-Sequential
SJ (Sensing/Judging)
Melancholy

HOW?

The 4MAT System

Abstract-Random
NP (Intuitive/Perceiving)
Phlegmatic

IF?

The 4MAT System

The 4MAT System

Each learning style is associated with both
left- and right-brain learners.

Left
Logical, rational,
sequential, serial,
verbal

Right
Intuitive,
emotional, holistic,
parallel, and
tactile-kinesthetic

The 4MAT System

The 4MAT system is designed to provide every
student with a preferred task during every
lesson. There are the 8 instructional events
proposed by this system.

The 4MAT System

STEP

LEFT MODE

RIGHT MODE

WHY?
Create an
experience

1
2

Reflect/Analyze
about experience

The 4MAT System

STEP

LEFT MODE

RIGHT MODE

WHAT?
Integrate into
concepts

3
4

Develop concepts
and skills

The 4MAT System

STEP

LEFT MODE

RIGHT MODE

HOW?
5
6

Practice defined
givens
Add something
of oneself

The 4MAT System

STEP

LEFT MODE

RIGHT MODE

IF?
7
8

Analyze application
for relevance
Add something
of oneself

The 4MAT System

The 4MAT system seems to have considerable
face validity, although there is not a widespread
research base to support it.
However, following the 4MAT system forces the
teacher to provide her students with
opportunities to engage in higher-order
thinking.