Why is dual coding NOT the same as "learning styles"? (This distinction matters.)

Dual coding says use multiple modes for EVERYONE; the learning-styles myth says give each individual ONLY their single preferred mode. Opposite advice.

Dual coding is about the material's format: represent a concept in words and visuals so every learner encodes it twice. It's additive and universal — more channels for all.

The learning-styles claim is about the individual: label a person "visual" or "auditory" and restrict them to that one channel. It's subtractive and personalized — fewer channels, matched to a preference.

They are easy to confuse because both mention "visual" and "auditory," but the prescriptions point in opposite directions. Dual coding is well-supported; the styles-matching claim is not.