Abstract
This research was conducted on the pupils and students of the elementary and secondary schools in Kyushu, Japan, in 2002. The purpose of this questionnaire survey was to clarify the background of decision-making in their clothing life. In addition, the authors attempted to acquire suggestions for designing adequate lesson plans in clothing education. The questionnaire contained, in the order of priority, eleven decision-making items in purchase of clothing and fifteen related questions inviting free response. As for LONG TIME WEARING, STRONG MATERIALS, EASY CARE, and FASHIONABLE, differences in grades or age are remarkable in the first eleven items, while the gender difference is notable as for LOOKS PRETTY, STRONG MATERIALS, COMFORTABLE, FACILITY OF CARE, FAMOUS BLAND, and ADVICE. The eleven items may be classified by the hierarchical cluster analysis into three groups: SENSE OF SATISFACTION, UTILITY, and MERCHANDISING INFORMATION. The free responses indicate that LOOKS COOL may be equated with DESIGN and TASTE/LOOKS NICE, and that the males in lower grades seek evaluation from their family as well as their male friends while the females in general seek evaluation from their female friends. Generally speaking, the difference in terms of grade and gender exists in their respective judgment and interpretation of all eleven items of decision-making. It is to be noted that the difference shows a qualitative change. In conclusion, the pupils and students need to be trained at each stage of their schooling for improving their decision-making ability as to the choice and purchase of clothing.
