Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Mary Kay Lane

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

The purpose of the present research was to assess dimensions of occupational choice of 99 male and 137 female grade twelve and thirteen high school students. The primary vehicle for this assessment was the application of Harren, Kass, Tinsley, & Moreland’s (1978) model of satisfaction with choice of major by college students. This theoretically generated and empirically tested model examines the relative infleunces of gender, sex role orientation, decision making style, and decision making process on decisional status defined by Harren et al. as satisfaction with choice. The 237 participants completed a Student Demographic Survey, the Bem Sex Role Inventory, the Assessment of Career Decision Making, and an Occupational Desirability and Accessibility Scale. The data associated with the model were subjected to path analysis as outlined by Kerlinger & Pedhazur (1973). Results indicated that the recalculated path coefficients from the trimmed model did not reproduce the original correlation matrix and consequently Harren et al’s model was rejected. This rejection was based not only on statistical crtieria, but also in terms of the model’s inapplicability to high school students. The very critical issue of criterion related validity of the major measuring instrumetns was also discussed. Additional variables under consideration were academic status and plans, support for those plans by significant others, and the priority of social roles for men and women. Overall, the supplementary analyses of the additional variables proved to be non-significant.

Convocation Year

1981

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Psychology Commons

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