Improving Graduate-School Admissions by Expanding Rather Than Eliminating Predictors.

The article by Woo et al. (this issue) reviews the existing research on graduate-school admissions measures. The goal of this commentary is to expand on their review and suggest several ways of supplementing the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) to both increase the predictive validity of admissions decisions and improve the diversity of a graduate program. We rely on several decades of research to suggest assessing both conscientiousness and vocational interests and combining the scores from these predictors with the GRE to inform admissions decisions. In addition, we also propose several ways of expanding recruitment efforts to attract qualified underrepresented minority applicants to improve the diversity of the applicant pool.

Interest-Ability Profiles: An Integrative Approach to Knowledge Acquisition.

Cognitive abilities and interests both play an important role in guiding knowledge acquisition, but most previous studies have examined them separately. The current study used a large and representative dataset to integrate interests and abilities using a person-centered approach that examines how distinct profiles of interests and abilities relate to individual strengths and weaknesses in knowledge. Two key findings emerged. First, eight interest-ability profiles were generated from Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), which replicated and extended the interrelations of interests and abilities found in previous studies using variable-centered approaches. Second, each profile's strongest knowledge scores corresponded to their strongest abilities and interests, highlighting the importance of interest-ability profiles for guiding the development of knowledge. Importantly, in some domains, the lower ability profiles were actually more knowledgeable than higher ability profiles. Overall, these findings suggest that people learn best when given opportunities to acquire knowledge relevant to both their interests and abilities. We discuss how interest-ability profiles inform integrative theories of psychological development and present implications for education and career development.

Impact of Interest Congruence on Study Outcomes.

Grounding on Holland's RIASEC model of vocational interests and the respective assumptions on person-environment fit (congruence), this paper focuses on how congruence is related to study outcomes, especially students' persistence, performance, and satisfaction. The paper distinguishes the measure of congruence with respect to social congruence (SOC) (interest fit with the study mates) and aspirational congruence (ASP) (interest fit with the occupation aspired) and also distinguishes the effects of congruence for gender and six different study areas including Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), medicine, economics, education, and languages. The paper analyses 10,226 university freshmen of the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) and follows them longitudinally with respect to their study outcomes. The results show that students' persistence was more related to SOC than to ASP, especially for male students. Furthermore, SOC was particularly important for students in STEM areas. Regarding performance, however, ASP was more important. Here, we notably found correlations for STEM subjects with a balanced proportion of female students. Regarding satisfaction, mainly marginal correlations could be found. The results indicate conceptual differences between social and aspirational congruence as well as specific effects for gender and study area. While research might take this into account by specifically developing their models for different study areas, career counseling may reflect on the different significance of the interest-based person-environment fit for different study areas. Initiatives for raising young people's participation in STEM should therefore specifically focus on students that have high chances to develop interest profiles that are congruent to STEM rather than students who show profiles which already indicate a low congruence.

Vocational Value Profiles of Students with Preferential Vocational Interest in Sport and Their Relationship with Personal and Academic Wellbeing.

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of students who choose to pursue university studies related to the field of sports. However, there are no studies that have investigated the existence of differentiated profiles within students whose preferred vocational area is sport. The main objective of this study was to establish the profiles of students in the second year of Spain Bachillerato whose preferred vocational interest is sport, according to the two representative vocational values: (a) "to have a fun professional activity"; and (b) "to have a professional activity whose schedule makes it possible to reconcile personal and professional life". In addition, the resulting groups were compared according to their perception of general and academic wellbeing and their identification with the other vocational values. Two hundred and thirty participants (MAge = 17.47; DTAge = 0.669; N = 171; 74.3% male and N = 59; 25.7% female) completed some validated measures. Three clusters emerged which did not differ in terms of general and academic wellbeing. Differences were found though in terms of some vocational values such "to help people", "to develop one's entrepreneurial initiative" or "to be self-employed". The findings invite us to rethink the differences in the specific profiles of vocational values and their impact on employability opportunities, and to consider these approaches in the orientation of students who have among their priority options to study sport sciences.

General or Vocational Education? The Role of Vocational Interests in Educational Decisions at the End of Compulsory School in Switzerland.

Many educational systems are characterized by segregation between a general and vocational educational track. When adolescents must decide on their postcompulsory education at the end of lower secondary school, the different programs are typically embedded in one of these two main tracks. Prior career choice theories postulate that vocational interests, as structured by the six-dimensional RIASEC model of Holland (1997), play a crucial role in educational and vocational transition processes. However, regarding the question of general versus vocational education, previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of social background. Therefore, this paper examines the impact of vocational interests on the choice of Baccalaureate School (BAC, general track), Vocational Education and Training (VET, vocational track) or the Federal Vocational Baccalaureate (FVB), a hybrid qualification that links elements of both tracks. The sample consists of N = 609 students at the end of lower secondary school in Switzerland. The results of multinomial logistic regression analyses show that all six dimensions of Holland's interest model are significant predictors for the three postcompulsory tracks, even when controlling for school variables (e.g., grades) and variables of social background. While the realistic and social dimensions are positively interrelated with the choice of VET, the artistic, investigative and enterprising dimensions predict the choice of BAC. The conventional dimension is the only one positively linked to the choice of FVB. The results are discussed with special attention to segregation between more practical and more theoretical types of interests.

Math anxiety affects females' vocational interests.

Vocational interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields in middle school can predict life outcomes, including enrollment in STEM courses and pursuing STEM careers. Numerical performance, as well as emotional factors such as math anxiety (MA), may influence vocational interests. The constructs of both vocational interests and MA are sensitive to gender differences. Accordingly, this study explored whether the relations among MA, numerical performance, and math vocational interests among middle-school students vary by gender. A sample of 127 ninth-grade students (68 females) performed a computation task and completed MA and trait anxiety (TA) questionnaires. A math vocational interest questionnaire was composed and assessed with an additional sample of 89 ninth-grade students. For females, MA, but not TA or numerical performance, predicted math vocational interest. Those with low MA levels tended to be interested in careers with higher math proficiency such as STEM careers. For males, high numerical performance and low TA, but not MA, related to interest in careers with high math proficiency. Bayes factors indicated that the data strongly supported the theory. The findings support the assumption that high MA levels affect the career plans of female students, whereas low numerical performance can account for both MA levels and future career plans of male students. It is essential to investigate how career aspirations are shaped in young students to promote the choice of STEM careers, especially among underrepresented populations such as females.

RIASEC interests and the Big Five personality traits matter for life success-But do they already matter for educational track choices?

OBJECTIVE: Educational track choices have far-reaching consequences because they are associated with long-term life success. Theoretical approaches and previous empirical research have nearly exclusively identified family background and achievement as determinants of these choices. Although students' educational track choices might fit their personality, individual differences in personality have not been explored. We investigated the effects of two personality aspects-RIASEC interests and Big Five traits-on hierarchically ranked track choices (vocational vs. general educational track), alongside family background and achievement. METHOD: We used two German data sets (TOSCA 10 study: N = 473; TOSCA study: N = 4,218) focusing on choices between the general educational track (leading to higher educational attainment) and the vocational track (leading to work life) at two different stages in educational careers. We ran several multiple (logistic) regressions. RESULTS: The results showed that certain aspects of students' personality matter for educational track choices. Accordingly, across both studies, students with high Investigative or Enterprising interests more often chose the general educational track, whereas students with high Social or Conventional interests more often chose the vocational track-after the Big Five personality traits, achievement, and family background were controlled for. The Big Five traits showed no or only small significant associations with educational track choices. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of considering individual differences when investigating important life outcomes such as track choices.

Personality and interests for selection: Theoretical perspectives.

This article explores two theoretical perspectives on both personality and vocational interests in terms of their value for personnel selection. These theories stand out for the amount of research attention each has received. The personality perspectives considered are trait theory and social cognitive theory. The two vocational interest theories are Holland's typology model and social cognitive career theory. These theories are compared on the basis of how they address three questions: (1) What is the nature of personality and of vocational interests? (2) What are the processes by which each becomes instilled in the individual? and (3) What are the processes by which personality and interests are translated into behavior? Although each approach has certain strengths and weaknesses, the potential benefits associated with personality trait theory and Holland's typology model, both of which are viewed as essentially trait-based approaches, seem particularly salient for the immediate future.

Adaptive vocational interest diagnostic: Informing and improving the job assignment process.

The history of vocational interests shows that these measures have great promise for use in job assignment, suggesting that individuals will be more satisfied and successful in their job when they are doing work that interests them. Recent research has provided empirical support for these predictions and demonstrated that the match between an individual's interests and his or her work activities is positively related to job performance and negatively related to attrition. Building on these positive empirical findings, the U.S. Army Research Institute is investigating vocational interest measures for personnel job assignment. Person-job fit is very important in a context such as the U.S. Army, where applicants have over 140 military occupational specialties from which to choose. This paper begins by reviewing evidence for the validity of interests and discussing how vocational interest measures may be used for assigning Soldiers in a military context followed by our recent research to develop a new measure of vocational interests to improve the process of matching Soldiers to military occupational specialties. We will conclude with the next steps for this research and potential paths of implementation.

Diseño de un instrumento de preferencias vocacionales en Administración, Materiales y Biotecnología / Design of an Instrument for Vocational Preferences in Administration, Materials and Biotechnology

Resumen Este estudio buscó diseñar y evaluar una prueba de preferencias vocacionales para las carreras de Administración de Empresas, Ingeniería en Materiales e Ingeniería en Biotecnología en el Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR). Para ello, se construyó previamente el perfil vocacional de cada carrera a partir del cual se redactaron los ítems de la prueba. Participaron 480 estudiantes con una media de edad de 22.07 años, 53.19% mujeres y 46.81% hombres. Se obtuvo información del perfil de cada carrera por parte de estudiantes y docentes. Posteriormente, la revisaron grupos de expertos. A partir del perfil definido, se redactaron los ítems de la prueba. Luego, se evaluaron sus características psicométricas con análisis factoriales. Se obtuvieron adecuados indicadores de bondad de ajuste. La prueba vocacional incluyó tres escalas: habilidades, intereses y tareas vocacionales. La escala de habilidades evaluó seis factores: lógico-matemática, física, química, biológica, liderazgo y autorregulación- disciplina. Por su parte, las escalas de tareas e interés se utilizaron para definir las preferencias por los tres factores evaluados: Administración, Materiales y Biotecnología. Finalmente, se evidenciaron diferencias según sexo, carrera y nivel de satisfacción vocacional.

Abstract: This study sought to design and evaluate a vocational preference test for Business Administration, Materials Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering majors at the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica (ITCR). For this goal, first of all a vocational profile of each career was constructed, from which the test items were written. 480 students took part, with an average age of 22.07 years, 53.19% of them women and 46.81% men. Descriptions of the profile of each career were collected by students and teachers, and later analyzed by expert groups. From the defined profile, items were drawn up and later evaluated with factor analysis, for the selection of the items, obtaining adequate indicators of goodness of fit. The vocational test includes three factors: Skills, Interests and Vocational Tasks. In turn, the Skills scale evaluated six areas: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Leadership and Self-regulationdiscipline. For its part, the scale of preferences contemplated the three areas evaluated: Administration, Materials and Biotechnology. On the other hand, there were differences according to sex, major and level of vocational satisfaction.

The Interest Profiles and Interest Congruence of Male and Female Students in STEM and Non-STEM Fields.

The goal of the following study is to investigate whether first-year students in STEM fields that have a low proportion of females (STEM-L) show vocational interests that fit their vocational aspirations. To place our investigation into a broader context, we compared students in STEM-L with students of STEM subjects with a medium proportion of women (STEM-M) as well as with other subjects with a medium or a high proportion of females. We analyzed their vocational interests, vocational aspirations and their interest congruence. In both the comparison regarding interest profiles and the comparison of vocational aspirations, we focused on the things-orientation and people-orientation, all while taking respective gender differences into account. Following the suggestion from previous studies, in a further step we differentiated between subjects within STEM-L. Using data from the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS), we analyzed the interest congruence of 5,530 male and 7,406 female students in STEM majors (with a low or medium proportion of women) and non-STEM majors (with a medium or high proportion of women). Students from different subjects showed different magnitudes regarding their things- and people-orientation. STEM-L students had a high things-orientation and a low people-orientation regarding both their interests and aspired occupations. Students of STEM-L and STEM-M showed a lower interest congruence than students from other subjects. With the exception of education, gender differences regarding the people- and things-orientation also existed within most of the subjects. Gender differences partly remain when distinguishing between the different subjects within STEM-L. And so, the result that not all STEM-L subjects are "created equal" is discussed in the context of their theoretical and methodological aspects.

School or Work? The Choice May Change Your Personality.

According to the social-investment principle, entering new environments is associated with new social roles that influence people's behaviors. In this study, we examined whether young adults' personality development is differentially related to their choice of either an academic or a vocational pathway (i.e., entering an academic-track school or beginning vocational training). The personality constructs of interest were Big Five personality traits and vocational-interest orientations. We used a longitudinal study design and propensity-score matching to create comparable groups before they entered one of the pathways and then tested the differences between these groups 6 years later. We expected the vocational pathway to reinforce more mature behavior and curtail investigative interest. Results indicated that choosing the vocational compared with the academic pathway was associated with higher conscientiousness and less interest in investigative, social, and enterprising activities.

Impact of vocational interests, previous academic experience, gender and age on Situational Judgement Test performance.

Situational Judgement Tests (SJTs) are increasingly implemented in medical school admissions. In this paper, we investigate the effects of vocational interests, previous academic experience, gender and age on SJT performance. The SJT was part of the selection process for the Bachelor's degree programme in Medicine at University of Groningen, the Netherlands. All applicants for the academic year 2015-2016 were included and had to choose between learning communities Global Health (n = 126), Sustainable Care (n = 149), Intramural Care (n = 225), or Molecular Medicine (n = 116). This choice was used as a proxy for vocational interest. In addition, all graduate-entry applicants for academic year 2015-2016 (n = 213) were included to examine the effect of previous academic experience on performance. We used MANCOVA analyses with Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparisons tests for applicant performance on a six-scenario SJT. The MANCOVA analyses showed that for all scenarios, the independent variables were significantly related to performance (Pillai's Trace: 0.02-0.47, p < .01). Vocational interest was related to performance on three scenarios (p < .01). Graduate-entry applicants outperformed all other groups on three scenarios (p < .01) and at least one other group on the other three scenarios (p < .01). Female applicants outperformed male applicants on three scenarios (p < .01) and age was positively related to performance on two scenarios (p < .05). A good fit between applicants' vocational interests and SJT scenario was related to better performance, as was previous academic experience. Gender and age were related to performance on SJT scenarios in different settings. Especially the first effect might be helpful in selecting appropriate candidates for areas of health care in which more professionals are needed.

Vocación ocupacional y género en estudiantes universitarios de ciencias de la salud / Ocupational vocation and gender in health sciences students / Vocação ocupacional e gênero em estudantes do ensino superior de ciências da saúde

El proceso de elección vocacional está conformado por varios elementos, tales como rasgos de personalidad, intereses vocacionales, aptitudes y habilidades. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la relación entre la vocación y el género en una muestra española de 156 estudiantes de primer curso de las titulaciones de Ciencias de la Salud de Enfermería, Fisioterapia, Podología y Terapia Ocupacional de la Universidad de Málaga. La metodología es cuantitativa y el alcance de esta investigación es descriptivo. El instrumento utilizado fue el cuestionario The Oregon Vocational Interest Scales (Orvis). Los resultados indicaron que hay diferencias significativas en algunas dimensionestrasrealizarla prueba T-Student: Liderazgo (F=6.532; p=0.012), Organización (F=3.818; p=0.05) y Aventura (F=4.211; p=0.029). No obstante, discutimos la necesidad de realizar estudios que contemplen otras variables que puedan influir.

The process of choosing a vocation consists of several elements,such as personality traits, vocational interests, aptitudes and abilities. The aim of this study is toexamine the association between vocation and gender in a sample of 156 first-year Health Sciencesstudents in Spain studying Nursing, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Occupational Therapy degrees atthe University of Malaga. The methodology used in the study is quantitative and the scope of thisresearch is descriptive. The instrument used by the researchers was the Oregon Vocational InterestScales (ORVIS) questionnaire. The results indicated that significant differences were found in certain dimensions after performing the T-Student test: Leadership (F=6.532; p=0.012), Organization(F=3.818; p=0.05) and Adventure (F=4.211; p=0.029). However, the authors conclude that it isnecessary to study the influence of other variables.

O processo de escolha profissional é composto por vários elementos, tais como traços de personalidade, interesses profissionais, aptidões e habilidades.Este estudo pretende analisar a associação entre o gênero e a vocação numa amostra espanhola de 156 estudantes de Ciências da Saúde do primeiro ano de Enfermagem, Fisioterapia, Podologia e Terapia Ocupacional da Universidade de Málaga .O instrumento utilizado foi o questionário Oregon Vocational Interest Scales (ORVIS). Os resultados mostram que existem diferenças no gênero em algumas dimensões após realizado o teste de T-Student: Liderança (F=6.532; p=0.012), Organização (F=3.818; p=0.05)e Aventura (F=4.211; p=0.029). Não obstante, discutimos a necessidade de realizar estudos que contemplem outras variáveis de influencia.

Interesses profissionais e personalidade: estudo correlacional entre o BBT-Br e a BFP / Vocational interests and personality: a correlational study between BBT-Br and BFP / Intereses profesionales y personalidad: un estudio de correspondencia entre el BBT-Br y la BFP

Considerando que a literatura aponta relações teóricas e empíricas entre os construtos interesses profissionais e personalidade, objetivou-se investigar correlações entre o Teste de Fotos de Profissões (BBT) e a Bateria Fatorial de Personalidade (BFP). Participaram 906 universitários de ambos os sexos, com idade média de 23 anos (DP = 5,18). Correlações significativas foram observadas entre: o radical Z, a faceta Interesses por novas ideias e o fator Abertura; o radical V e a faceta Competência do fator Realização; o radical G e a faceta Interesses por novas ideias; o radical O e facetas Comunicação, Dinamismo e o fator Extroversão. Conclui-se que os resultados corroboram premissas teóricas de alguns radicais do BBT-Br e são condizentes com os achados da literatura científica da área.

Considering evidences of theoretical and empirical relationships between vocational interests and personality traits, this study aimed to investigate correlations between "Berufsbilder Test" (BBT) and "BateriaFatorial de Personalidade" (BFP). 906 college students, both sexes, aged 23 years old on average (SD = 5.18) participated in the study. Significant correlations were found: Z interests correlated with Interests for new ideas (facet of Openness) and Openness; V interests correlated with Competence (facet of Conscientiousness); G interestscorrelated with Interests for new ideas (facet of Openness); O interestscorrelated with Communication, Dynamism (facets of Extraversion) and Extraversion factor. The results are in agreement with the theoretical assumptions of BBT-Br, as well as with scientific literature addressing interests and personality.

Teniendo en cuenta que la literatura señala relaciones teóricas y empíricas entre los constructos intereses profesionales y personalidad, nos propusimos investigar las correlaciones entre el Test de Fotos de Profesiones (BBT) y la Batería Factorial de Personalidad (BFP). Participaron 906 estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos, con 23 años de edad promedio (DE = 5,18). Se observaron correlaciones significativas entre el radical Z, la faceta Intereses por nuevas ideas y el factor Abertura; el radical V y la faceta Competencia del factor Realización; el radical G y la faceta Intereses por nuevas ideas; el radical O y las facetas de Comunicación, Dinamismo y el factor de Extroversión. Concluimos que los resultados corroboran los supuestos teóricos de algunos radicales del BBT-Br y son consistentes con los hallazgos de la literatura científica.

Características sociocognitivas de estudantes com dotação e talento: estudo comparativo / Socio-cognitive characteristics of students with giftedness and talent: comparative study / Características socio-cognitivas de los estudiantes con dotación y talento: estudio comparativo

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar fatores pessoais e contextuais e experiências de aprendizagem que podem contribuir para a escolha profissional entre estudantes com e sem características de dotação e talento (D). Participaram 275 estudantes de Ensino Médio que responderam a um questionário e a instrumentos de interesses, expectativas de resultado/valores e autoeficácia ocupacional e para escolha profissional. Os identificados com D (9,1%) apresentaram níveis mais elevados em algumas dimensões dessas variáveis. Porém, ao analisar cada série escolar, os grupos foram equivalentes no terceiro ano para as duas primeiras variáveis e no primeiro ano, na escala de valores. Conclui-se que os alunos com D precisam de orientação profissional tanto quanto seus pares.(AU)

The aim of this study was to compare personal and contextual factors and learning experiences that can contribute to the career choice among students with and without characteristics of giftedness and talent (G). Participants were 275 high school students who completed a questionnaire and instruments that assess interests, outcome expectations/values, occupational self-efficacy and career choice. Adolescents with G (9.1%) showed higher levels in some dimensions of these variables. However, when analyzing each grade, the groups were equivalent in the third year of high school for the first two variables, and in the first year in the scale of values. It was concluded that students with G need professional guidance as much as their peers.(AU)

El objetivo del estudio fue comparar los factores personales y contextuales y experiencias de aprendizaje que pueden contribuir a la elección de carrera entre los estudiantes con y sin características de dotación y talento (D). Participaron 275 estudiantes de secundaria, que completaron un cuestionario e instrumentos que evalúan los intereses, las expectativas de resultado / valores, la autoeficacia para las actividades ocupacionales y para la elección de carrera. Se encontró que adolescentes con D (9,1%) mostraron niveles más altos en algunas dimensiones de estas variables. Sin embargo, al analizar cada grado, los grupos fueron equivalentes en el tercer año para las dos primeras variables y en el primer año, en la escala de valores. Se concluyó que los estudiantes con D necesitan orientación profesional tanto como sus compañeros.(AU)

Características sociocognitivas de estudantes com dotação e talento: estudo comparativo / Socio-cognitive characteristics of students with giftedness and talent: comparative study / Características socio-cognitivas de los estudiantes con dotación y talento: estudio comparativo

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar fatores pessoais e contextuais e experiências de aprendizagem que podem contribuir para a escolha profissional entre estudantes com e sem características de dotação e talento (D). Participaram 275 estudantes de Ensino Médio que responderam a um questionário e a instrumentos de interesses, expectativas de resultado/valores e autoeficácia ocupacional e para escolha profissional. Os identificados com D (9,1%) apresentaram níveis mais elevados em algumas dimensões dessas variáveis. Porém, ao analisar cada série escolar, os grupos foram equivalentes no terceiro ano para as duas primeiras variáveis e no primeiro ano, na escala de valores. Conclui-se que os alunos com D precisam de orientação profissional tanto quanto seus pares.

The aim of this study was to compare personal and contextual factors and learning experiences that can contribute to the career choice among students with and without characteristics of giftedness and talent (G). Participants were 275 high school students who completed a questionnaire and instruments that assess interests, outcome expectations/values, occupational self-efficacy and career choice. Adolescents with G (9.1%) showed higher levels in some dimensions of these variables. However, when analyzing each grade, the groups were equivalent in the third year of high school for the first two variables, and in the first year in the scale of values. It was concluded that students with G need professional guidance as much as their peers.

El objetivo del estudio fue comparar los factores personales y contextuales y experiencias de aprendizaje que pueden contribuir a la elección de carrera entre los estudiantes con y sin características de dotación y talento (D). Participaron 275 estudiantes de secundaria, que completaron un cuestionario e instrumentos que evalúan los intereses, las expectativas de resultado / valores, la autoeficacia para las actividades ocupacionales y para la elección de carrera. Se encontró que adolescentes con D (9,1%) mostraron niveles más altos en algunas dimensiones de estas variables. Sin embargo, al analizar cada grado, los grupos fueron equivalentes en el tercer año para las dos primeras variables y en el primer año, en la escala de valores. Se concluyó que los estudiantes con D necesitan orientación profesional tanto como sus compañeros.

Estudo correlacional entre interesses profissionais e autoeficácia com tecnologias / Correlational study between vocational interests and self-efficacy with technologists

No contexto da orientação profissional, interesses profissionais e autoeficácia são construtos de grande importância para o autoconhecimento dos orientandos. O presente estudo teve por objetivo verificar as relações entre os construtos junto a tecnólogos. Participaram 172 estudantes, com idades entre 19 e 57 anos. Os instrumentos utilizados foram a Escala de Aconselhamento Profissional (EAP) e a Escala de Autoeficácia para Atividades Ocupacionais (EAAOc). Os resultados indicaram correlações entre os interesses profissionais e a autoeficácia com magnitudes variando entre baixas e altas; para os interesses profissionais e as fontes de autoeficácia, muitos coeficientes variaram de baixos a muito baixos. A pesquisa possibilitou identificar outras evidências de validade, recomendando-se novos estudos com tecnólogos de diferentes cursos e instituições de ensino

In the context of vocational guidance, professional interests and self-efficacy constructs are of great mportance to the self-knowledge of the advisees. The present study aimed to verify the relations between the constructs with technologists. 172 students participated, aged between 19 and 57 years. The instruments used were the "Escala de Aconselhamento Profissional" (EAP) and the "Escala de Autoeficácia para Atividades Ocupacionais" (EAAOc). The results indicated correlations between professional interests and self-efficacy with magnitudes ranging from low to high; to the professional interests and sources of self-efficacy, many coefficients ranged from low to very low. This research allowed us to identify other evidence of validity, but further studies with technologists from different courses and educational institutions are recommended

Iconographic Professional Interests Inventory (3IP): A New Validation Study.

Interests have been a central focus of counselling psychology (and vocational psychology in particular) for over 100 years. The awareness of professional interests increases self-knowledge and provides occupational information. In career counselling, vocational interests are assessed more frequently than any other vocational construct, though early evaluations (before 13 years old) of professional interests are very rare. The aim of this research is to examine the 3IP construct (Iconographic Professional Interests Inventory; an inventory composed of 65 stylised pictures that represent people in the act of performing a job) in depth, testing more models in addition to the 19 vocational areas proposed in the 3IP manual. Results show that most of the vocational areas can be grouped into 4 second-level areas ("things", "people", "leisure", and "culture"). Moreover, Holland's RIASEC model is tested; an accurate selection of items reveals that this model works well using 24 specific jobs. The research concludes that the inventory has good psychometric qualities which can grow further by mean of the increasing, in a targeted way, of the number of jobs.

Interests, Gender, and Science.

In this commentary on Nye, Su, Rounds, and Drasgow (2012) and Schmidt (2011), I address the value of occupational interest inventories for understanding sex differences in occupational choice and the extent to which occupational interests are malleable. In particular, I argue (a) that some subscales in interest inventories are too heterogeneous to be given a single label and that the labels that are applied to some subscales are inaccurate and misleading; (b) that "things versus people" is an inaccurate and misleading characterization of a dimension that is frequently associated with interest inventories and linked to sex differences; (c) that vocational interests will be valid predictors of job performance primarily in cases in which the job has been held for some time by a diverse group of people and not in cases in which jobholders have been homogeneous; (d) that sex differences in interests are malleable and sensitive to small and subtle environmental cues; and (e) that women's interest in math and science will increase if they have a feeling of belonging and an expectation of success.