The Gregorc Style Delineator: Internal Consistency and its Relationship to Kirton's Adaptive-Innovative Distinction

Abstract

The primary purpose of the studies was to examine the relationship between the Gregorc Style Delineator and Kirton's adaptive-innovative distinction. The structure and internal consistency of the Style Delineator were also examined. Two samples (N = 109, N = 135) were given the Style Delineator and the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory. Results showed that the Style Delineator's sequential types and random types (irrespective of concreteness or abstractness) were KAI adaptors and innovators, respectively. Factor analysis of responses to the Style Delineator revealed several orthogonal factors, although factor-items were dispersed among the subscales. Cronbach's alphas indicated that the KAI was reliable, but the alphas for the Style Delineator's 4 subscales ranged from .23 to .66. Issues regarding the construction of the Style Delineator were discussed.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Cronbach, L. J. (1951). Coefficient alpha and the internal structure of tests. Psychometrika, 16, 297-334.

Gregorc, A. F. (1978). Transaction ability inventory. Columbia, CT.

Gregorc, A. F. (1982a). Gregorc style delineator. Maynard, MA: Gabriel Systems, Inc.

Gregorc, A. F. (1982b). An adult's guide to style. Maynard, MA: Gabriel Systems, Inc.

Gregorc, A. F. (1984). Gregorc style delineator: Development technical and administration manual. Maynard, MA: Gabriel Systems, Inc.

Goldsmith, R. E. (1985). The factorial composition of the KAI Inventory. Educational And Psychological Measurement, 45, 245-250.

Keller, R. T. and Holland, W. E. (1978). A cross-validation of the KAI in three research and development organizations. Applied Psychological Measurement, 2, 563-570.

Kirton, M. J. (1976). Adaptors and innovators: A description and measure. Journal of Applied Psychology, 61, 622-629.

Kirton, M. J. (1977). Research edition: Kirton adaption—innovation inventory [KAI]. London: National Federation for Educational Research.

10.

Messick, S. (1984). The nature of cognitive styles: Problems and promises in educational practice. Educational Psychologist, 19, 59-74.

11.

Mulligan, D. G. and Martin, W. (1980). Adaptors, innovators and the Kirton adaption-innovation inventory. Psychological Reports, 46, 883-892.

12.

Sewall, T. J. (1986). The measurement of learning style: A critique of four assessment tools. Green Bay: University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin Assessment Center.