A factor analytic study of perceived occupational similarity

Abstract

Job perceptions and "occupational stereotypes" play leading roles in many current theories of occupational choice. Case II of Andrews' A-technique was used to explore the dimensions by which occupations are perceived. Factor analysis of perceived similarity among 22 occupational stimuli yielded results corresponding directly to 5 second-order factors obtained in an earlier study which had employed different Ss, a different procedure, and different occupational stimuli. Results also shed light on college students' perceptions of popular vocational objectives and on the relationship between job perceptions and interest factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)