MBTI Personality Dimensions and Chinese Language Learning Performance: A Mixed-Method Study of Vocational Learners in Malaysia


Authors : Nik Ibrahim, Nik Norafiqah Binti

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5b33vbj2

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/47ucjehh

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug1446

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.


Abstract : This study explores the impact of Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality dimensions on Chinese language learning among Malaysian vocational learners. A mixed-method design involving 100 students in the quantitative phase and 30 in the qualitative phase was employed. Statistical results revealed that extraverts significantly outperformed introverts in oral communication, while introverts excelled in written tasks. Sensing learners achieved higher accuracy in detail-oriented tasks than intuitive learners, and judging learners consistently scored higher than perceiving learners across oral and written assessments. Unexpectedly, feeling learners outperformed thinking learners in oral performance, suggesting emotional engagement plays a key role in language acquisition. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium (g = 0.38–0.56). Qualitative data from classroom observations confirmed these findings, with extraverts thriving in class participation and introverts excelling in precise written work. The study highlights the practical value of integrating personality-informed teaching strategies and adaptive digital tools to support diverse learner profiles in vocational education contexts.

Keywords : MBTI; Personality; Chinese Language Learning; Vocational Learners; Adaptive Pedagogy.

References :

  1. Dewaele J-M, Furnham A. Extraversion and interlanguage performance in EFL. Personality and Individual Differences. 1999;26(5):853–864.
  2. Carrell PL, Monroe S. Personality types and language learning strategies: An exploratory study. Language Learning. 1993;43(1):1–23.
  3. Tang L. MBTI personality types and Chinese speaking performance among university students in mainland China. J Chinese Language Education. 2024;25(1):45–60.
  4. Gao Y. A brief review on language learning strategies and MBTI. In: Proc ICOSSED 2024. Atlantis Press; 2025.
  5. Sutanto H. The influence of thinking and feeling preferences on peer feedback engagement in Indonesian Chinese language classrooms. J Asian Language Learning. 2021;10(2):112–125.
  6. Lee SY, Gan Z. Judging and perceiving preferences in vocabulary revision and oral storytelling among Singaporean learners. J Chinese Lang Teaching. 2020;15(1):78–92.
  7. Platsidou M, Daniilidou A. The role of personality traits in second language acquisition: A meta-analysis. System. 2021;96:102371.
  8. Adi S. The role of introversion and extraversion in Chinese speaking activities among Malaysian learners. Master’s thesis, Univ Malaya, Malaysia; 2019.
  9. Rezaei S, Talebinejad MR. The effect of MBTI personality types on vocabulary retention among Iranian EFL learners. J Lang Teach Res. 2020;11(4):648–656.
  10. Jiang H. The impact of personality types on second language vocabulary acquisition of college students. J Education, Humanities and Social Sciences. 2024;1–6.
  11. Kamarulzaman N, Razali N, Abdullah MS. Language anxiety and reading comprehension among introverted Malaysian learners. J Lang Studies. 2022;18(2):45–60.
  12. Watanabe Y. Judging/perceiving preferences and academic self-regulation in Japanese EFL writing. Asian J English Lang Teaching. 2021;31(1):23–38.
  13. McCrae RR, Costa PT Jr. Reinterpreting the MBTI from the five-factor model perspective. J Personality. 1989;57(1):17–40.
  14. Pittenger DJ. Cautionary comments regarding the MBTI. Consulting Psychol J: Practice & Research. 2005;57(3):210–221.
  15. Myers IB, McCaulley MH, Quenk NL, Hammer AL. MBTI manual: A guide to the development and use of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. 3rd ed. Consulting Psychologists Press; 2003.
  16. Oxford RL. Language learning strategies: What every teacher should know. Newbury House; 1990.
  17. Dörnyei Z. The psychology of the language learner: Individual differences in SLA. Lawrence Erlbaum; 2005.
  18. Felder RM, Brent R. Teaching and learning STEM: A practical guide. Jossey-Bass; 2016.
  19. Felder RM, Silverman LK. Learning and teaching styles in engineering education. Eng Education. 1988;78(7):674–681.
  20. Kirkpatrick A. Language education policy among ASEAN. Eur J Language Policy. 2017;9(2):159–178.
  21. Suhaili MS, Mohama M. English language competency in enhancing TVET graduates’ marketability. Creative Education. 2021;12(7):1583–1594.
  22. Dewaele J-M, MacIntyre PD. The multilingual individual: Perspectives. In: Loewen SH, Sato M, eds. Routledge Handbook of Instructed SLA. Routledge; 2019. p. 471–485. [Digests 9th Annual Conf. Magnetics Japan, p. 301, 1982].
  23. M. Young, The Technical Writer’s Handbook. Mill Valley, CA: University Science, 1989.

This study explores the impact of Myers–Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality dimensions on Chinese language learning among Malaysian vocational learners. A mixed-method design involving 100 students in the quantitative phase and 30 in the qualitative phase was employed. Statistical results revealed that extraverts significantly outperformed introverts in oral communication, while introverts excelled in written tasks. Sensing learners achieved higher accuracy in detail-oriented tasks than intuitive learners, and judging learners consistently scored higher than perceiving learners across oral and written assessments. Unexpectedly, feeling learners outperformed thinking learners in oral performance, suggesting emotional engagement plays a key role in language acquisition. Effect sizes ranged from small to medium (g = 0.38–0.56). Qualitative data from classroom observations confirmed these findings, with extraverts thriving in class participation and introverts excelling in precise written work. The study highlights the practical value of integrating personality-informed teaching strategies and adaptive digital tools to support diverse learner profiles in vocational education contexts.

Keywords : MBTI; Personality; Chinese Language Learning; Vocational Learners; Adaptive Pedagogy.

CALL FOR PAPERS


Paper Submission Last Date
30 - November - 2025

Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe