Assessment of the structural validity of Holland's model with job analysis (PAQ) information

Abstract

J. L. Holland's (1973, 1985) person–environment congruence theory of vocations has been tested in numerous studies. In this study, the structural validity of Holland's model was tested with job analysis information. Multiple discriminant analyses of the 13 overall Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ [E. J. McCormick et al, 1972]) mean profile scores derived from 2,770 job analyses representing 86 jobs were used to differentiate vocational types. Results revealed that the dimensions of environmental awareness, decision and communication responsibilities, and clerical activities were most predictive of vocational type. In addition, realistic and conventional jobs were more predictable than investigative, artistic, social, and enterprising jobs. The findings are discussed in the context of using job analysis data to make assessments of vocational structure. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)