The Self-Directed Search for Educational and Vocational Planning (SDS) is a self-scoring, self-administering instrument designed by John L. Holland, author of the Vocational Reference Inventory. Preliminary use of the SDS led to the speculation that some people were very dissatisfied with their results and others were quite pleased. Of the 4,631…

Several predictors of occupational choice derived from a theory of careers (Holland, 1973) were examined. Hypotheses that a person's competencies, activities, self-estimates, interests, and vocational choices can be organized by a six-category typology to understand and predict subsequent choice were tested. Samples of 894 men and 989 women took…

This study explored the differences on variables of satisfaction, self-concept, self-acceptance, and vocational maturity between freshmen students who made congruent and incongruent occupational choices. Findings suggest that subjects in the congruent male group tend to report better maintenance of personal stability and greater satisfaction than…

In this study, the relationship of expressed occupational daydreams and scores on the Self-Directed Search (SDS) were examined. Results were consistent with Holland's theory of careers. Implications for career counselors are discussed. Students were asked to provide specific biographical data (i. e., age, gender, race) and to write down their…

Tested the hypothesis that an abbreviated Self-Directed Search (SDS) would increase self-estimated career knowledge and decision making of students (N=173). Completing an abbreviated SDS decreased self-estimated career management competencies, but it did not affect tested career management competencies nor differentially affect men and women nor…

Increase in predictability of vocational plans of college women (N=152) was sought by using variables from Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS). The most recent daydream and summary of daydream codes were the best single predictors of academic major. The most recent daydream was the best single predictor of vocational plans. (Author)

This study compares effects on high school students (N=959) of the Self Directed Search (SDS), the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI), and no treatment. Students taking the SDS or the VPI evaluated the instruments, felt more satisfied with current occupational choices, and considered more occupational alternatives. Differences between the…

In an evaluation of the Self-Directed Search (SDS), a self-administered vocational counseling experience based on Holland's theory of vocational choice and his occupational classification, a total of 1,092 students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades in four high schools were divided into three treatment groups. One group took the regular, published…

The purpose of this study was to provide test-retest reliability data for Holland's Self Directed Search for Educational and Vocational Planning (SDS). Sixty-five subjects were administered the SDS 7-10 months after they completed it during freshman orientation. Results indicated little change in summary codes obtained by subjects. Median…

This report presents the Self-Directed Career program, an inexpensive program designed to provide vocational guidance to all high school students, college students, and adults who desire it. The report discusses the need for such a program, the costs involved, the materials required, and how to use them. Appendix A provides some of the basic and…

There was some concern that Holland's Self Directed Search for Educational and Vocational Planning (SDS) was inappropriate to use with blacks since it may steer them toward more Realistic occupations not requiring a college education. The purpose of the study was to compare the pattern of vocational planning choices for black and white students…