A theory of vocational choice.

Abstract

The theory of vocational choice suggests a number of research problems. The value of the concept of a developmental hierarchy appears amenable to study and extension through the use of coded interest inventories. The determination of level of choice might be explored through the use of intelligence, status, and self-concept measures, to define the relationships among these variables and the integrative value of the concept, self-evaluation. Simple occupational knowledge tests might be devised to explore the relationships hypothesized in the theory concerning the amount and selective perception of occupational information as well as the correlations between developmental and level hierarchies, and occupational information. The proposed occupational environment classification might be examined and clarified by reviewing the evidence for a sample of typical occupations for each orientation and at each level, and by the administration of appropriate assessment devices. Studies of the interaction of the key variables in the theory might be attempted by using the available definitions.