The relationships between problem solving style as measured by the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and achievement in college chemistry at the community college

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between problem solving style as measured by the Myers Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI) and achievement in College Chemistry. It was postulated that preferences measured by the MBTI would increase the variance explained by the predictive tool currently in use. The sample population was taken from a suburban community college. It was found that problem solving style does increase the variance explained by the currently used predictive tool. There is a non-simplistic relationship between problem solving style as measured by the MBTI and achievement in College Chemistry. The problem solving characteristics of successful and unsuccessful students, as well as those who withdraw, were documented. Some of the relationships found were the same as those reported in MBTI literature; others were contrary to expectations based on the MBTI literature.