A strong, positive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) identity is a predictor of future career choice in a STEM field. In this commentary, major concepts are explored within and among four different research studies with implications regarding STEM or science identity. This commentary describes ways in which one can view STEM…

The findings of the Gaertner and McClarty article (2015) raised awareness on two extremely important topics related to college readiness: First, to effect change, we must measure students' progression towards college readiness throughout their K-12 career rather than just at the culmination of high school. Second, college readiness encompasses…

In this paper the authors attempt to explain and sharpen unresolved issues and questions that have evolved in the study of careers, especially since the concept of "careers" has received increased theoretical and empirical attention across disciplines. The issues discussed involve (1) conceptualization and measurement of careers; (2)…

Westbrook (1983) challenged the validity of the construct "career maturity" because measures such as the Career Maturity Inventory Attitude Scale (Crites, 1973) correlate to measures of mental ability. Rather than interpreting this association as evincing lack of discriminant validity, the association should be interpreted as supporting…

A discussion of research needs on physicians' choice of specialty looks at methodological problems identified in the literature and suggests six areas for further development: distinction between career preference and career attainment; multiple predictors; larger samples; more specific specialty subdivisions; longitudinal approach; and testing of…

Describes research that measured personal, national, and occupational identity among Jamaican postsecondary students. Observes that the variable of attitudes toward minorities was strongly related to personal and national identity, and suggests encouragement of positive attitudes toward ethnic groups in order to foster acceptance of differences in…