The construct validation of Holland's model of vocational choice using PAQ job analytic information

Abstract

<p>Numerous studies have been aimed at testing Holland's person-environment congruence theory with the vast majority of those studies investigating the "person side" of the theory. This study contributes to the paucity of research on the "environmental side" independent of the people in those environments. Via the use of job analytic information, the structural validity of Holland's model was examined. Specifically, mean Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) profile scores were analyzed across 86 occupations representing the gamut of Holland vocational (RIASEC) categories. The statistical analyses were separated into two categories--those aimed at confirming the existence of Holland's model (confirmatory analyses) and those directed at discovering an underlying structure of environments without regard to a prior structure (exploratory analyses). The confirmatory results provide stronger support for Holland's model than the exploratory findings. Together, a moderate degree of support for the structural validity of the theory is indicated. The general conclusion reached in this study is that while there is a relationship between the hexagonal structure of occupations, there is not a direct parallel. Though there was not unequivocal support for Holland's theory of occupational structure, there was external corroboration for the environments defined independent of the people in those environments. Implications for defining environments via job analytic information and future research needs are discussed.</p>