4MAT - build on several long-standing theories

The 4MAT system is built on several long-standing theories in the fields of learning, psychology and research about the brain. The Research Guide (Sec. 1) summarizes prominent theories which have greatly influenced the ideology and validation of 4MAT.

 

The fundamental assumption of the 4MAT Model, that humans learn and develop through continuous, personal adaptations as they construct meaning in their lives, is derived from the work of some of Bernice McCarthy's greates sources of inspiration, for example:

 

John Dewey & David Kolb - learning

In regard to learning, John Dewey and David Kolb are the greatest sources of inspiration. The main idea of John Dewey is that learning comes from the experience - and according to Kolb, learning is a circular process and not a result. The process of learning differs from person to person and is based on our experience.

 

Carl Jung - typology

Typologically speaking, Carl Jung's theory about basic human differences is the greatest source of inspiration. This theory is also the basis of the world renown MBTI personal assessment tool.

 

Joseph Bogen - the brain

The theory about the brain is inspired by Joseph Bogen's work with the two hemispheres and their different ways of processing. The perception of the brain as two systems is of significant importance for Bernice McCarthy's work with 4MAT as a learning process.

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