Criterion Validity of Common Career Interest Inventories: Relative Efficacy with High School Seniors

• Main Author: Martin, Summer M.G.
• Other Authors: Hull, Darrell Magness
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 2014
• Subjects: criterion validity; interest inventories; high school seniors; Self Directed Search; school counselors; Occupational aptitude tests > Evaluation.; Vocational interests > Testing > Evaluation.
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc799471/

Professional school counselors frequently use career interest inventories as part of a comprehensive guidance program to help students create a post-secondary school plan. The present study evaluates the validity of three commonly used interest inventories, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Self-Directed Search, and Strong Interest Inventory on field of study choice for graduating high school seniors (N = 616) from a large, suburban high school in Texas. Students identified their intended postsecondary field of study category, were randomly assigned using stratification to three groups, and each group completed a different inventory. Group membership was evaluated to establish covariate balance on a wide variety of indicators. Data from each group was evaluated to determine the extent to which the inventory predicted the chosen field of study, as well as Other and Undeclared categories using logistic regression models. None of the inventory models suggest that the inventory accurately predicts Other or Undeclared outcomes. For students selecting intended postsecondary fields of study, the Self Directed Search predicts such outcomes better than other measures. Professional school and career counselors should consider the SDS in addition to narrative counseling strategies to add greater precision with career decision making among clients and students.