Theory Behind the Model

Gregorc's Mind Styles model provides an organized way to consider how the mind works.

Anthony GregorcMind Styles

CS CRARAS

You just completed the Gregorc Style Indicator. Get with the folks who scored in the same category.Come up with a few words or phrases that describe you.

CS CRARAS

organizedstableproductiveperfectionist

preciseconceptualvisionaryopinionated

curioushands-onImpulsiveimpatient

spontaneousadaptablesocialperceptive

Systematic Instinctual

Research Absorption

Perceptual Qualitythe means through which information is grasped

• Concrete: This quality enables you to register information directly through your five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing. When you are using your concrete ability, you are dealing with the obvious, the "here and now." You are not looking for hidden meanings, or making relationships between ideas or concepts. "It is what it is.”

• Abstract: This quality allows you to visualize, to conceive ideas, to understand or believe that which you cannot actually see. When you are using your abstract quality, you are using your intuition, your imagination, and you are looking beyond “what is” to the more subtle implications. "It is not always what it seems.”

• Although all people have both concrete and abstract perceptual abilities to some extent, each person is usually comfortable using one more than the other. The person whose natural strength in the concrete, for example, may communicate in a direct, literal, no-nonsense manner. The person whose natural strength is the abstract may use more subtle ways to get a point across.

Ordering Abilitythe ways the learner organizes information

• Sequential: Allows your mind to organize information in a linear, step-by-step manner. When using your sequential ability, you are following a logical train of thought, a traditional approach to dealing with information. You may also prefer to have a plan and to follow it, rather than relying on impulse.

• Random: Lets your mind organize information by chunks, and in no particular order. When you are using your random ability, you may often be able to skip steps in a procedure and still produce the desired result. You may even start in the middle, or at the end, and work backwards. You may also prefer your life to be more impulsive, or spur of the moment, than planned.

• Both ordering abilities are present in each person, but usually a pattern emerges for using one over the other more comfortably.

Mind Styles

• There are four combinations of the strongest perceptual and ordering ability in each individual: – 1. Concrete Sequential (CS) – 2. Abstract Random (AR) – 3. Abstract Sequential (AS) – 4. Concrete Random (CR)

• No one is a "pure" style. Each of us have a unique combination of natural strengths and abilities

CONCRETE SEQUENTIALThis learner likes:

• order• logical sequence• following directions, predictability• getting facts

They learn best when:• they have a structured environment• they can rely on others to complete this task• are faced with predictable situations

• can apply ideas in pragmatic ways

What's hard for them?• Working in groups • Discussions that seem to have

no specific point • Working in an unorganized

environment • Following incomplete or unclear

directions • Working with unpredictable

people • Dealing with abstract ideas • Demands to "use your

imagination" • Questions with no right or wrong

answers .

CONCRETE RANDOMThis learner likes:

• experimenting to find answers• take risks• use their intuition• solving problems independently

They learn best when:• they are able to use trial-and-error approaches• able to compete with others• given the opportunity to work through the problems by themselves.

What's hard for them?• Restrictions and limitations • Formal reports • Routines • Re-doing anything once it’s done • Keeping detailed records • Showing how they got an answer • Choosing only one answer • Having no options

ABSTRACT SEQUENTIALThis learner likes:

• his/her point to be heard• analyzing situations before making a decision or acting• applying logic in solving or finding solutions to problems

They learn best when:• they have access to experts or references• placed in stimulating environments• able to work alone

What's hard for them?• Being forced to work with those of differing

views • Too little time to deal with a subject

thoroughly • Repeating the same tasks over and over • Lots of specific rules and regulations • "sentimental" thinking • Expressing their emotions • Being diplomatic when convincing others • Not monopolizing a conversation

ABSTRACT RANDOMThis learner likes:

• to listen to others• bringing harmony to group situations• establishing healthy relationships with others• focusing on the issues at hand

They learn best when:• in a personalized environment• given broad or general guidelines• able to maintain friendly relationships• able to participate in group activities

What's hard for them?• Having to explain or justify feelings • Competition • Working with dictatorial/authoritarian

personalities • Working in a restrictive environment • Working with people who don’t seem

friendly • Concentrating on one thing at a time • Giving exact details • Accepting even positive criticism

The Concrete Sequential individual:

• Needs and enjoys structured situations.• Likes to work with hands-on projects.• Likes things to be ordered and arranged in specific ways. • Likes clear and definite directions.• Is always "busy", looking for constructive things to do, can’t

sit still for long.• Is a natural organizer.• Prefers to do things step by step.• Follows directions.• Is a natural editor, can take anything and make it better.• Has a great fear of being wrong.

The Abstract Sequential individual:

• Reads avidly for information and ideas logically presented. • Needs a quiet environment to think and work.• Likes to debate about ideas and controversial issues.• Likes to learn just to learn - self-directed. • Gathers information and analyzes ideas.• Strives for intellectual recognition.• Thinks in a structured, logical and organized way.• Fears appearing foolish or uninformed.

The Abstract Random individual:

• Dislikes routine procedures and orderliness.• Is extremely sensitive to his/her own and others’ feelings. • Is flexible, accepting and responds easily to change.• Learns well through discussion and sharing of ideas.• Is imaginative.• Personalizes information.• Is usually involved in many projects or interest at one

time. • Is focused on friends and relationships.• Has a fear of not being liked.

The Concrete Random individual:

• Is highly curious.• Finds out-of-the-ordinary answers to problems.• Seems driven to say or do things in a way others have not.• Is a risk-taker.• Likes to discover his/her own way of doing things; must test things for self.• Is extremely independent and competitive with self.• Prefers to investigate and experiment; enjoys hands-on experimenting. • Skips steps and details.• Shows original creativity; has varied and unusual ideas.• Has multiple projects going at once.• Finds possibilities, creates change.• Is notorious for not reading directions or instructions.• Fears structure.

CS CRARAS

Order and quietExact directionsGuided PracticeKnow the accepted way of doing something Can apply ideas in a practical, hands-on way Are given approval for specific work done

Lecture and readingFollow traditional proceduresWork aloneResearchLogical explanationsAre respected for intellectual ability

Trial and error approachHands-on experiencesBrainstorming and open-ended activities Produce real, but creative, products

Cooperative workAssignments with room for interpretation Balance of social activities and work Noncompetitive atmospherePersonalized learningAre given personal attention and emotional support

Learning Preferences