A Brief Research Report: Thinking Styles of Online Distance Education Students

Abstract

This study evaluates the distribution of thinking styles in online distance education courses. One hundred and sixty undergraduate students from three universities enrolled in online distance education courses were administered the Sternberg-Wagner Thinking Styles Inventory (Sternberg, 1997). Results indicated a disproportionate number of Legislative and Hierarchic thinkers in online distance education courses. Based on these findings, suggestions for online course development and design are discussed.