Validity of Parallel Measures of Vocational Interests and Confidence

Abstract

The basic confidence scales of the Expanded Skills Confidence Inventory were evaluated using 715 college students. The scales were correlated as predicted with confidence for Holland's six vocational themes and with the basic interest scales of the Strong Interest Inventory. Discriminant analyses using educational aspirations and major and career preferences job families as dependent variables indicated that using both interests and confidence measures led to additional predictive power over either one alone. The more specific sets of scales accounted for the most variance. Data supported the hypothesis of more frequent occurrence of score patterns of higher interest but lower confidence relative to gender-nonstereotypic domains (e.g., mechanical for women and helping for men), thus suggesting the utility of efficacy theory-based interventions to broaden the range of career options. It is hoped that these findings will facilitate the use of parallel measures of interests and self-efficacy in research and career counseling.