Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory: Issues of Reliability and Validity

Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory (LSI) is a very popular assessment tool despite compelling arguments against its use. Provided is a summary of the salient issues concerning the LSI. Arguments against its use, including suspect methodology, misapplication of statistical procedures, logical inconsistencies in theory construction, and a general lack of support for reliability and validity are examined. In addition, current research studies supporting its continued popularity are presented. The authors conclude that it is important for social work researchers, educators, and practitioners to examine the psychometric properties of any instrument prior to making decisions based on unsubstantiated findings.