Instrumental and expressive learning: some comparisons

Preferences for and learning activity in instrumental (basic or skill mastery) and expressive (enjoyment or self-fulfillment) education are examined. Interviews with 256 Nebraskans, fifty-five or older, provided information to examine hypotheses of 1) greater preference for instrumental learning (supported), 2) no preference differences according to age, sex, and location groupings (partially supported), 3) predicted preference for expressive learning by white collar workers and college graduates (not supported), and 4) no preference differences according to race, marital status, and social class groupings (partially supported). Comparisons with earlier (1972) data are included; an increased overall preference for instrumental education was found.