A critical note on Geist's "Work satisfaction and scores on a picture interest inventory"

Abstract

Comments on a paper by H. Geist regarding work satisfaction and scores on an occupational interest inventory (see record 1964-06693-001 ). The paper reported, among other spectacular data, a correlation coefficient of .999 between a measure of occupational interest and one of occupational satisfaction. Any correlation of this size deserves careful study. This one in particular should be carefully scrutinized, both because it is in an area of considerable practical concern and because similar correlations reported by other investigators have been moderate in size at best, usually around .2 or .3 (e.g., Strong, 1955). Unfortunately, the results reported by Geist will not stand close scrutiny as the paper was laced with statistical errors of a most serious nature. Clearly no confidence can be placed in the author's other calculations, including the correlation of .999, until the author explains these statistical discrepancies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)