Variations in the administration of the Self-Directed Search, scoring accuracy, and satisfaction with results.

Examined the effects of the test administrator's attitudes toward Holland's Self-Directed Search, the size of the group taking the instrument, and whether monitors were used during the administration on both self-scoring accuracy and satisfaction with results on the Self-Directed Search. Over 25% of the 184 college freshmen who took the instrument during orientation made scoring errors resulting in incorrect high-point codes, and over 50% obtained incorrect summary codes. Of the 3 independent variables, only monitoring reduced self-scoring errors, and none affected satisfaction. Questions are raised about whether, even with monitoring, error rates are too high and satisfaction too low to warrant the use of the instrument as a self-counseling device. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)