A verification scale for the Strong Vocational Interest Blank, Men's Form.

A new scoring procedure was constructed for the SVIB. Its purpose is to show the pattern of rare item-responses that differ from the chance pattern indicated by the shaded areas of the profile and from the scores typical of people in the various occupations. Ss were 192 freshmen at the University of Missouri. The cross-validation sample had 908 Ss. "At the present stage of development it is appropriate to recommend the V scale be included among the scales currently scored on the SVIB." From Psyc Abstracts 36:05:5LB18F. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The specialization level scale for the Strong Vocational Interest Blank.

On a specialization scale developed for the VIB to separate medical specialists from physicians-in-general, mean scores were obtained for ten occupational groups in three non-medical areas and four medical specialities. Within each area, the occupational groups ranked in the same order by specialization level mean scores as by mean educational level of their members. Research with chemists indicated that those with the Ph.D. degree could be separated by this scale from those with less specialized training. The scale did not, however, differentiate students qualifying for the M.B.A. from those who entered this training but did not complete it. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A verification scale for the Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory.

A verification scale, designed to detect individuals answering carelessly or incorrectly, was developed for the Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory. The scale is composed of items answered very infrequently by Clark's group of Tradesmen-in-General. Data on a validation and cross-validation group are presented. The scale was shown to correctly identify 97% of arbitrarily responding individuals while misclassifying only 9% of individuals answering in a normal manner. To demonstate other attributes of the scale, data are presented for a test-retest group (rxx = .81), a hospitalized psychotic group, and a group of answer sheets completed using random numbers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Chance versus nonchance scores on the SVIB.

In the interpretation of scores obtained on the Strong Vocational Interest Blank, should those falling in the shaded or chance area be disregarded? Ss were 242 low ability college students and 109 noncollege Ss. These data were obtained from studies by King (see 31: 1540) and Powers (see 31: 6225). Scores falling in the shaded areas are no more due to chance than those falling anywhere else. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An anxiety scale for the Strong Vocational Interest Inventory: Development, cross-validation, and subsequent tests of validity.

A level of adjustment dimension utilizing a combination of Taylor MAS and Winne Scale of Neuroticism scales has been developed for the Strong VIB. 400 graduate psychology students served as Ss while a second validation used 200 male freshmen. For the 33 items split-half reliability on the first cross-validation was .73. Criterion cross-validations yielded corrected correlations of .44 and .51. 27 references. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A note on the criterion.

The concept of the criterion in much applied research has implied the possibility of identifying a single, ultimate measure against which predictors should be correlated. It is argued that the criterion has been overemphasized with the result that complexities of predicting the many facets of job success have been ignored in favor of overly simplified studies designed to relate predictors to single measures of job success. Applied psychologists should give more emphasis to construct validation and make an effort to learn more about the meaning of test scores and other predictors in terms of multiple dimensions of behavior. Information available on the Engineering Research Key of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank is presented in order to illustrate the pattern of validation research recommended. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Proposed scoring changes for the Strong Vocational Interest Blank.

A study of the effect of replacing with new items 102 items in the current SVIB on the validity and reliability of the SVIB. 8 occupational groups were used. The results showed that the validity and reliability remained essentially the same after dropping the items. Also, the weighting system of the SVIB was compared with scales using unit weights. The results indicated that the unit weights keys were virtually identical to the weighted keys on 3 criteria: validity, reliability, and scale intercorrelations. Thus, the SVIB when revised should be scored using unit weight scales. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The use of response patterns to improve item scoring.

This study compared the validity of 2 methods of scoring the Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory. One method used keys developed in the usual manner by selecting items that differentiated between specific occupational groups and a reference group of tradesmen-in-general. The other method used keys developed by selecting items that were part of response patterns that differentiated between criterion and reference groups. 3 occupational keys were developed and cross-validated: painter, printer, and electrician. Results showed that the keys were about equal in their ability to separate criterion from reference groups, but the key developed from response patterns used far fewer items. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A coding system for total profile analysis of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank.

"A coding system for total profile analysis of the… [Strong Vocational Interest Blank] was proposed which would represent the elevation and shape of the interest pattern as well as have other characteristics desirable for definition, communication, filing, and research. The basic structure of the system was outlined, the steps in coding a profile were delineated, and an illustration of the procedure was given. Some possible areas of research using the coded SVIB profiles were briefly discussed." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Chance" scores on the Strong Vocational Interest Blank for men.

Strong's estimated chance score ranges on the SVIB scales are compared with the chance variance for most of the scales, computed from the assumption of zero item intercorrelations (obtained when the blank is filled out in all possible ways). "Most of the differences are small, and the positive and negative errors of estimate are about equally divided. The greatest difference is in the Aviator scale, where Strong's estimate is about 1.4 standard score points too high. This difference is significant at the 1% level as judged by the F test. Three others (Engineer, Chemist, and Y. Secretary) are significant at the 5% level." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The relationship between item ambiguity and discriminating power in a forced-choice scale.

"(a) In questionnaire format, Ambiguous statements were more valid than either Positive or Negative statements for differentiating college achievers from non-achievers. (b) In general, the validity of Ambiguous items either held up or increased in forced-choice format. (c) The 12-tetrad inventory consisting almost exclusively of Ambiguous items was found to have substantial reliability and validity for the purpose used, and did not appear to lend itself to willful misrepresentation on the part of the subjects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Stability measures of Strong Vocational Interest Blank profiles.

For a sample of 242 freshmen, test and retest profiles on the SVIB were compared on grade changes, and letter grade and group pattern shifts, using Powers' D-score method, rank correlation, and ratings of the extent of interest changes by counselors (validity criterion). The stability measures were all significantly intercorrelated with the validity criterion (.55 to .68). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A vocational interest scale for biologists.

A Biologist scale for the SVIB (Form M) was developed following procedures outlined by E. K. Strong, Jr. 4 groups were employed: (a) criterion (N = 251) systematically selected from Volume 2 of American Men of Science, (b) cross-validation (N = 89) selected at an American Institute of Biological Science convention, (c) 2 concurrent validation groups (Ns = 121, 306) selected from the Pennsylvania State University student body. Results indicated that the scale differentiated the interests of: (a) the biologists from Strong's men-in-general group (P1), (b) the biologists from the interests measured by 36 other SVIB scales, (c) the concurrent validation groups in the expected direction. Reliabilities of .88 (criterion) and .87 (cross-validation) were obtained. It was concluded that the scale has sufficient validity and reliability to be a useful counseling device. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Use of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank for prediction in veterinary medicine.

Strong VIB scores (Veterinary Scale), ACE scores, and pre-veterinary grade-point averages for 61 veterinary students were compared with scores for a random sample of non-veterinary students. Within the veterinary group, there was no significant relationship between interest score and academic achievement, and academic training did not affect measured interest (based on retest with VIB after four years). Using discriminant function analysis, it was possible to predict curricular membership with a high degree of accuracy. The best predictors were the VIB Veterinary interest score and pre-veterinary grade-point average (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Validities of three vocational interest keys for U. S. Navy yeomen.

"Scores of a group of 135 Navy yeomen on the Office Worker key of the Strong Vocational Interest Blank and on the Yeoman and Shipping-Stock Clerk keys of the Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory were analyzed to determine the validities of these keys for yeomen." Both the Yeoman and Shipping Clerk keys appeared to have high validity, as determined by mean differences and percent of overlapping of scores of the present yeoman group with scores of criterion and reference groups for each key. The Office Worker key of the Strong VIB did not seem to be as satisfactory. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Real-life" faking on the Strong Vocational Interest Blank by sales applicants.

Will job applicants in real-life situations fake an interest inventory? Scores on the SVIB taken by 156 sales applicants were compared with those of 117 salesmen employed for at least 5 years. Applicants looked much more interested in Social Service and business occupations than did employed salesmen. From Psyc Abstracts 36:04:4LB73K. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Strong Vocational Interest Blank Scores of high school seniors and their later occupational entry.

"Three groups of University graduates were compared, graduates from medicine, law, and accounting, on the basis of SVIB scores obtained in Grade 12. The scores of the three groups were significantly different from one another, and pattern analysis of each student's interest profile revealed that the three groups had different profile patternings as well as different scores on the individual scales. These differences suggest that careful use of the SVIB is justified with high school seniors." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The vocational interests of American Psychological Association presidents.

The Strong Vocational Interest Blank (SVIB) is one of the most widely used psychological instruments. The SVIB was developed by comparing the interests of men in specific occupations with a group of Men-in-General: To accomplish this it was, of course, necessary to collect completed SVIBs from men in a variety of occupations. For this purpose, between about 1925 and 1955, E. K. Strong, Jr., collected about 10,000 SVIBs from men scattered over roughly 50 occupations. Strong's materials constitute an immensely valuable treasure of data, useful for scientific purposes. For example, by using some inventories completed many years ago, it has been possible to study the stability of interests within an occupation over 30 years. As Strong was concerned with men who were successful and satisfied in their occupations, he inevitably collected SVIBs from prominent leaders in many fields. As time moves on, the characteristics of these men assume some historical significance. It is perhaps the first time that systematic psychometric data have been available on the outstanding leaders of earlier eras. This article discusses the representation of the psychology profession in the Strong files, and presents a detailed table reflecting the completed SVIB inventories for 50 of the past 70 APA presidents. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development and validation of a scale for measuring cynical attitudes toward college.

The purpose of this research was to develop and validate a new measure of undergraduate student cynicism--the Cynical Attitudes Toward College Scale (CATCS). In Study 1, the authors split data collected from 1,049 students representing 3 diverse college populations into development and confirmation samples. Using confirmatory factor analysis, the authors (a) developed an 18-item measurement model reflecting 4 reliable dimensions of student cynicism-policy, academic, social, and institutional; (b) demonstrated cross-sample generalizability; and (c) established convergent and discriminant validity. In Study 2, the authors showed the CATCS's ability to discriminate among diverse groups of students predicted to differ on the 4 subscales as well as to predict future academic outcomes. Practical applications of the CATCS are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A unidimensional depression scale for the MMPI.

To develop a depression scale that differentiates consistently not only between normal and abnormal samples but also within such samples, items from the MMPI D scale were selected on the basis of consistent relationship to the major dimension or factor underlying the 60 items as determined by a contextual analysis of responses in each of 4 normative samples of 40 Ss (normal and abnormal divided also by sex). The final 30-item scale, called the D30 scale, showed greatly improved within-group distinctions, particularly among normals, dimensionality coefficients (rd) of .97, .95, and .98 being obtained in cross validation in contrast to values of .67, .45, and .87 for the original. Split-half reliability showed improvement despite shorter length, and test-retest estimates in 2 normal samples were .88 and .92. Since part-whole correlations indicated that D30 scale scores account for the systematic differences in scores on the 60-item scale, the D30 scale was recommended for general use in lieu of the original. T score norms based on 424 Ss were presented and scale content discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)