Several predictors of occupational choice derived from a theory of careers (Holland, 1973) were examined. Hypotheses that a person's competencies, activities, self-estimates, interests, and vocational choices can be organized by a six-category typology to understand and predict subsequent choice were tested. Samples of 894 men and 989 women took…

This study compares effects on high school students (N=959) of the Self Directed Search (SDS), the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI), and no treatment. Students taking the SDS or the VPI evaluated the instruments, felt more satisfied with current occupational choices, and considered more occupational alternatives. Differences between the…

This study, using the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) and the Self-Directed Search (SDS), explored concurrent validity of Holland's theory for employed non-college-degreed women (N=114). Results revealed three scales of the VPI and five scales of the SDS successfully differentiated occupational groups consistent with Holland's theoretical…

Modification of instructions to the Activities and Competencies section of Holland's Self-Directed Search to allow users more flexibility in responding to items was compared to the standard set of instructions. Results indicated modified instructions did significantly alter users' summary codes although users were not more satisfied. (Author)

The psychological meaning and predictive value of a person's vocational aspirations were examined by applying Holland's typology to the vocational aspirations of high school juniors (N=1,005), college juniors (N=692), employed adults (N=140), and a second sample of college students studied over a 1 year interval (N=624). The aspirational data were…

Increase in predictability of vocational plans of college women (N=152) was sought by using variables from Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS). The most recent daydream and summary of daydream codes were the best single predictors of academic major. The most recent daydream was the best single predictor of vocational plans. (Author)

High school males (N=66) and 60 high school females were tested for anxiety and vocational maturity levels. The experimental subjects were given the Self Directed Search (SDS). Statistical analysis indicated that the SDS was an effective instrument in reducing career indecision. (Author)

Men's and women's immediate reactions to completing the Self Directed Search (SDS) and the Strong Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII) were assessed, as well as the impact of this testing on their subsequent behaviors four weeks later. A random sample of college freshmen at the University of Kansas (N=96) completed either the SDS, SCII, or both…

This study investigated differences between men and women employed in traditional male occupations using the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) and the Self-Directed Search (SDS). Results indicate men in traditionally male occupations, when compared to women in those same occupations, tend not to report higher mean raw scale scores. (Author)

Results showed strong empirical support for the model in that most subjects were working in environments congruent with their personality types. However, there was a lack of empirical support for the proposed relatedness among the environments in the model with regard to person-environment congruence. (Author)

Investigated occupational level differences among men and women employed in Enterprising environments using the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) and the Self Directed Search (SDS). All workers (N=84) were employed in Enterprising environments. Findings showed high occupational level workers tend to be more differentiated and more masculine…

This study, using the Vocational Preference Inventory and the Self-Directed Search, explored the concurrent validity of Holland's theory for employed college-degreed Black women. The findings support the validity of Holland's theory for this population. (Author)

The study was designed to explore two areas: (1) the concurrent validity of Holland's theory for employed college degreed women using two different operational definitions (Vocational Preference Inventory and the Self-Directed Search) of vocational orientation; and (2) the relationships among same named scales across the VPI and the SDS. (Author)

This study examined the effects of the test administrator's attitudes toward Holland's Self-Directed Search, the size of the group taking the instrument, and whether or not monitors were used during the administration on both self-scoring accuracy and satisfaction with results. Only monitoring reduced self-scoring errors, and none affected…

Tests Holland's assertion that stability of vocational choice can be predicted from: (a) congruence of personality with chosen career; (b) differentiation of personality; and (c) internal consistency of personality characteristics. The relationship of three constructs to stability of choice of college major was studied among 167 university…