The validity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: students’ natural preferences and academic performance at Damascus University faculties.

The main aim of this study is to find whether a correlation is existed between students' natural preferences, or what is known as psychological type as determined by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the extent of their enthusiasm measured by their level of “like” to the subject, and students' Grade Point Average (GPA). Data was collected from eighty-nine students who took the MBTI inventory in five selected faculties at Damascus University in Syria. In order to rate the subjects' like or dislike level, the students were asked to complete a form prepared for this purpose. The students GPA were also included in the analysis. Using paired sample T-test, the results indicate to a statistically significant correlation between type of student and its faculty of study, type of student and overall study subject like, and type of students and his/her GPA. There was however statistically significant correlation between various personality dichotomies of the type (Extraversion–Introversion, Sensing- iNtuition, Thinking-Feeling, Judging-Perceiving) and faculty, individual subjects like, and GPA. The study also indicates to a statistically significant correlation between study like and GPA, and faculty and GPA. The most critical conclusion from the study is that Sensing-iNtuition dichotomy of the MBTI inventory has the strongest correlation to distribution of students among faculties, the subjects like or dislike, and the GPA. In addition, the higher the level of like for a subject, the higher the GPA is. Empirically, this study provides decision makers of the higher education sector in Syria with relevant information regarding the intended future attempts of reforming the admission policy to universities. It refers to the importance of natural preferences of people and how such preferences reflect on the students' success in specific subjects. To validate the results of the study, future research is highly needed on larger sample of students from different subject disciplines.