Career and Vocational Assessment 1993 -1994: A Biennial Review

Abstract

This is the first biannual review of research for the Journal of Career Assessment. A selective review, this article covers the 2- year period, 1993-1994. Seven inclusion criteria were employed in an effort to reduce the extensive literature by up to 50%. Principal topics were: The origin, structure, and nature of vocational interests; Career indecision; Culture and career assessment; Gender and career assessment; and Tests as tools: What should we teach graduate students? Several conclusions were drawn from this review. The proportion of vocational interests that can be attributed to genetic sources is apparently greater than was previously believed. Further, interests may be broad constructs if strong correlations between interests and personality continue to be found. Repeated confirmation of the circular arrangement of interests is leading to three-dimensional (spherical) models of interests. The introduction of one new, and three revised, interest inventories is testimony to the future viability of vocational interests as diagnostic and treatment devices. Career decision appears to have a strong neurotic component, but our understanding of the nature of indecision is limited by a failure to relate this area to basic decision science. Research on culture and gender in career development continues at a high rate. Finally, questions are raised about the adequacy of vocational assessment training in graduate programs. A call is made for more systematic theoretical work in vocational assessment and for a closer link to interventions.