Individual differences in language learning: temperament, cognitive styles and personalization of instruction

This empirical study examines the relationship between individual psychological differences and English language learning outcomes among university students. A sample of 80 students (mean age = 19.8 years, SD = 1.2) from a large urban university participated in this research. The study utilized standardized instruments including the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) to assess temperament, the Riding Cognitive Style Analysis to measure cognitive styles (verbal-imagery and wholist-analytic dimensions), and Cambridge English Placement Test to evaluate language proficiency. Results indicate significant correlations between extraversion and speaking performance (r = 0.42, p < 0.01), between imagery cognitive style and vocabulary acquisition (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), and between analytic style and grammar comprehension (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed that cognitive style dimensions predicted 31% of variance in overall English proficiency (R² = 0.31, p < 0.001). Based on these findings, we propose a framework for personalized language instruction that considers learner temperament and cognitive preferences. The study demonstrates that individual differences significantly impact language learning processes and outcomes, suggesting the need for differentiated pedagogical approaches in EFL contexts.