Abstract
Abstract This paper describes the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), a relatively recent database containing measures of occupational characteristics produced by the United States Department of Labor as a replacement for the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. O*NET scores cover cognitive, interpersonal, and physical skill requirements, as well as working conditions, and are derived mostly from survey responses of large, representative samples of workers. O*NET’s substantive scope and sampling are impressive, but there are also significant gaps and duplication in content. Underlying constructs, item wording, and response options are often vague or overly complex. However, O*NET items have generally sensible correlations with wages, which, along with the richness of the database, ensure O*NET’s place among researchers interested in work and labour markets.
Highlights
Zusammenfassung Dieser Artikel beschreibt das Occupational Information Network (O*NET), einen relativ neuen Datensatz des amerikanischen Arbeitsministeriums, der Kennziffern zu den Charakteristika von Berufen enthält und das „Dictionary of Occupational Titles“ ablöst
In her introduction to the final edition of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), the Secretary of Labor, Lynn Martin, noted that it “appears at a time when there is growing recognition of the need for lifetime learning [and] when rapid technological change is making the jobs of current workers more complex than they were even a few years ago...” (United States Department of Labor 1991, p. iii)
APDOT recommended the creation of a new system to replace the DOT, subsequently named the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), which would use standardized surveys of a representative sample of job incumbents instead of job analysts conducting workplace interviews and observations (U.S Department of Labor 1993; Peterson et al 1999, pp. 297f.; Peterson et al 2001)
Summary
APDOT recommended the creation of a new system to replace the DOT, subsequently named the Occupational Information Network (O*NET), which would use standardized surveys of a representative sample of job incumbents instead of job analysts conducting workplace interviews and observations If response rates within occupations are higher for more educated workers, which might be expected from the experience of other surveys, the estimates of mean occupational skill requirements might be higher than the population values This is an issue for all voluntary surveys, but O*NET does not seem to have considered the issue of demographic representativeness or the use of sampling weights to compensate for any imbalances even though it collects information on individual respondents that would permit identification and correction of any sampling biases. The underlying construct of interest is itself unclear, which is considered further
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
