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vocational interest inventories

Paul M. Muchinsky


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Vocational interest inventories are structured paper‐and‐pencil assessments which measure typological profiles of occupational interests. They are used primarily to assist individuals in making choices about vocational pursuits which are consistent with their values and preferences. Vocational interest measurement has a lengthy history. It began nearly a century ago through the pioneering efforts of Parsons (1909) , with later refinements by Berdie (1944) . Early vocational interest inventories consisted of many statements (several hundred would not be uncommon) that describe occupational activities. Examples would include “building a product or object with your hands” and “dealing with complex conceptual issues which have no correct solutions.” Individuals are asked to indicate their preference for engaging in such activities, usually reflecting a three‐point response format of liking, disliking, or being indifferent. The individual statements are organized into homogeneous categories, or dimensions, as reflected by, for example, interest in outdoor activities, artistic expressions, and interacting with other people. The individuals' responses to the interest inventory would be evaluated to yield a score on each dimension in the inventory. The typical inventory would include 10 to 15 such dimensions. Dimensions receiving high scores would reflect activities the individual likes ... log in or subscribe to read full text

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