Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to Assess Student Needs

Abstract

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) estimates basic preferences in perception (information gathering) and judgment (decision making). Using a tool such as the MBTI is helpful in obtaining a profile of students attracted to textiles, clothing and design programs in terms of developing appropriate instructional strategies. The MBTI was administered to a sample of 222 students enrolled in a Midwestern university, of whom 115 were textiles, clothing and design (TCD) students, and 107 were agronomy students. TCD students were predominantly Intuitive-Feeling types as compared to the majority of agronomy students who were Sensing-Thinking. Implications were that the TCD students already possess potential for refining and developing strong interpersonal and communication skills, but may need to be shown the value ofdeveloping analytical approaches to problem solving.

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