[06/08/2024] Vocational Interests SETPOINT Dimensions
Last updated
Last updated
Measuring Vocational Interests on SETPOINT Dimensions
Abstract
Vocational interest research has seen a resurgence in organizational research, given that it is predictive of key work outcomes. Current research has focused on vocational interests at the broadband interest level. While the RIASEC model has been the typology for broad interest assessment of six interest types, more recent work with the setpoint model suggests eight interest dimensions need to be assessed. To date, there is no assessment tool available for the broad setpoint dimensions. This current study focuses on developing three short scales to assess the eight dimensions of the setpoint model and complements current assessments with three shorter but reliable and valid measurement tools. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Measuring SETPOINT vocational interest dimensions: The development and validation of three short scales
Highlight
Three short scales were created based on the SETPOINT interest model and validated through rigorous psychometric analyses.
The structure and dimensions of the SETPOINT model are further validated with the newly created short measures.
Compared with the RIASEC measure, results from the SETPOINT short measures showed better psychometric properties.
The SETPOINT model showed stronger predictive power than the RIASEC model in predicting occupational membership groups.
Short scales measuring at the dimensional level of vocational interests can be useful in measuring heterogeneous factors.
Abstract
Vocational interest research has seen a resurgence in the applied psychology literature, given evidence showing its predictive validity for key work outcomes. There is a need for integrative, reliable, and valid measures to advance research in this space. While the RIASEC model of vocational interests (Holland, 1997) has been the most widely used and studied typology for the assessment of six broad interest types, more recent work with the SETPOINT model (Su et al., 2019) suggests that eight interest dimensions provide better fit to interest data and demonstrates stronger criterion-related validity evidence. However, to date, no short scales are available for measuring the broad SETPOINT dimensions. We developed three short scales with 8, 24, and 41 items, respectively, that capture the eight dimensions of the SETPOINT model in an integrative manner. Using a sample of 972 full-time working adults assessed across two-time points over five weeks, we validated these three short scales following robust psychometric analyses. These scales are shown to have good psychometric properties. The development and validation of the three short scales help close the operational gap for the SETPOINT model and further facilitate the study of interests and use of interest measures in academic and applied settings.
Toward a dimensional model of vocational interests.
Abstract
Growing evidence on the predictive validity of vocational interests for job performance calls for greater consideration of interest assessment in organizations. However, a consensus on the fundamental dimensions of interests that are aligned with the contemporary world of work is still lacking. In the current research, we developed an organizing framework of vocational interests and empirically validated an 8-dimension model (SETPOINT: Health Science, Creative Expression, Technology, People, Organization, Influence, Nature, and Things). We propose that interests are structured hierarchically, with preferences for specific work activities at the lowest level (assessed using interest items), basic interests for homogeneous classes of activities at the intermediate level (assessed using basic interest scales), and broad-band interest dimensions describing general tendencies of individuals to be drawn to or motivated by broad types of work environments at the top. To derive broad-band interest dimensions, it is necessary to base it on a comprehensive range of content-specific basic interest constructs. In Study 1, we conducted an extensive review of existing basic interest scales and developed a new assessment of basic interests with 41 homogeneous scales across two samples. In Study 2, we demonstrated the structural validity of the proposed dimensional model using second-order confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling with a large, diverse sample of working adults and supported its predictive validity for occupational membership in new and traditional sectors of work. We discuss implications from the current findings for building interest theory, using interest assessment for organizational research, and evaluating interest structure with appropriate methods. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
