I've noticed that although some of my science-people friends use the scientific method everyday, they don't really use any logical/ rational approach to navigating their lives. R Whatdda ya think?
I actually just covered something that could be applicable to this. It's called 'learning styles', which is based on experiential learning theory. People develop preferred styles, or ways of learning and basically how you approach problems (and life) in general. "Effective learners rely on four different learning modes: concrete experience (CE), reflective observation (RO), abstract conceptualization (AC) and active experimentation (AE).
CE: (feeling) involve themselves fully and openly, and without bias in new experiences
RO: (watching) reflect on and observe these experiences from many perspectives
AC: (thinking) able to create concepts that integrate their observations into logically sound theories
AE: (doing) able to use these theories to make decisions and solve problems
Anyway, you can do a test and see what kind of learning style you have (i'm sure there's a bunch online). Your learning style usually falls in one of these 4 categories: Assimilator, diverger, converger and accomodator. If you pay attention when working in groups etc. you can sometimes pick out what kind of learning styles people have. It's kinda cool
. Some people falls dead in the middle though, so...
Oh, and I found a test here:
http://www.geocities.com/athens/forum/1650/qlearningstyle.html
I've taken this test and one in class; both ended up with me being an assimilator.
The text below is from
http://www.coe.iup.edu/rjl/instruction/cm150/selfinterpretation/kolb.htm
The CONVERGER's dominant learning abilities are Abstract Conceptualization (AC) and Active Experimentation (AE). This person's greatest strength lies in the practical application of ideas. A person with this style seems to do best in those situations like conventional intelligence tests where there is a single correct answer or solution to a question or problem. This person's knowledge is organized in such a way that through hypothetical-deductive reasoning this person can focus it on specific problems. Research on this style of learning shows that Converger's are relatively unemotional, preferring to deal with things rather than people. They tend to have narrow technical interests, and choose to specialize in the physical sciences. This learning style is characteristic of many engineers.
The DIVERGER has the opposite learning strengths of the converger. This person is best at Concrete Experience (CE) and Reflective Observation (RO). This person's greatest strength lies in imaginative ability. This person excels in the ability to view concrete situations from many perspectives. We have labled this style Diverger because a person with this style performs better in situations that call for generation of ideas such as a "brainstorming" idea session. Research shows that Divergers are interested in people and tend to be imaginative and emotional. They have broad cultural interests and tend to specialize in the arts. This style is characteristic of individuals from humanities and liberal arts backgrounds. Counselors, organization development specialists and personnel managers tend to be characterized by this learning style.
The ASSIMILATOR's dominant learning abilities are Abstract Conceptualization (AC) and Reflective Observation (RO). This person's greatest strength lies in the ability to create theoretical models. This person excels in inductive reasoning and in assimilating disparate observations into an integrated explanation. This person, like the converger, is less interested in people and more concerned with abstract concepts, but is less concerned with the practical use of theories. For this person it is more important that the theory be logically sound and precise; in a situation where a theory or plan does not fit the "facts," the Assimilator would be likely to disregard or re-examine the facts. As a result, this learning style is more characteristic of the basic sciences and mathematics rather than the applied sciences. In organizations this learning style is found most often in the research and planning departments.
The ACCOMMODATOR has the opposite learning strengths of the Asssimilator. This person is best at Concrete Experience (CE) and Active Experimentation (AE). This person's greatest strength lies in doing things in carrying out plans and experiments and involving oneself in new experiences. This person tends to be more of a risk-taker than people with the other three learning styles. We have labeled this person "Accomodator" because this person tends to excel in those situations where one must adapt oneself to specific immediate circumstances. In situations where a theory or plan does not fit the "facts," this person will most likely discard the plan or theory. This person tends to solve problems in an intuitive trial and error manner, relying heavily on other people for information rather than on one's own analytic ability. The Accomodator is at ease with people but is sometimes seen as impatient and "pushy." This person's educational background is often in technical or practical fields such as business. In organizations people with this learning style are found in "action-oriented" jobs often in marketing or sales."
Remember not to stereotype. I'm sure accomodators make great researchers too..
