Utility of expectancy theory in predicting occupational choices in college students.

Introductory psychology students responded to measures of Expectancy and Valence with respect to 6 male-dominated and 6 female-dominated careers. Likelihood of choosing each of the 12 occupations was used as an indicator of force of behavior in V. H. Vroom's (1964) expectancy model. Results indicated that the Expectancy?×?Valence interaction for an occupation accounted for from 12% to 41% of the variance in tendency to choose that occupation, although expectancy alone was as good a predictor as the product. Gender differences were marked and consistent across expectancy, valence, and likelihood of choosing each occupation, varying in accordance with the traditionality of the occupation. Limitations of the study and implications for both further research and for career counseling are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)