The effect of equating interest test items for prestige value

Abstract

Five occupational categories falling into Spranger's values categories were scaled for prestige value using Thurstone's method of equal-appearing intervals. From these an interest inventory was constructed made up of pairs of occupational titles from which 3 scores could be obtained based on occupational pairs of equal or differing prestige values. The results obtained from 180 psychology students indicate that preferences for occupations within the range studied were not determined by the prestige which is accorded to each occupation. Preferences apparently are determined by more basic interest patterns, and therefore, prestige values may be ignored in constructing interest scales made up of occupational titles. 13 references. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)