An investigation explored the use of Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS) by 185 readers and 152 non-readers (ages 14-21) with learning disabilities or mild mental retardation. The SDS was reliable for both readers and non-readers, able to validly measure preferences, and sensitive to preferences with respect to disability group membership.…

Evaluated the Occu-Sort, and the Self-Directed Search, focusing on six areas of interest to school counselors, e.g., proportion of nontraditional occupations suggested and later considered, number suggested and later considered, understanding and recall of the letter codes, and reliability of the self-scored occupational code for the O-S. (PAS)

Investigates: (1) the ability of the Canadian Occupational Interest Inventory (COII) and the Self-Directed Search (SDS) to discriminate among Grade 12 students; (2) inter-scale correlations of these measures; and (3) relationships between the student groups' interest patterns and external reference points. Findings indicate the scales discriminate…

A comparison of Self-Scoring Error Rate for Self Directed Search (SDS) and the revised SDS is presented. The subjects were college freshmen and sophomores who participated in career planning as a part of their orientation program, and a career workshop. Subjects, N=190 on first study and N=84 on second study, were then randomly assigned to the SDS…

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…

Describes characteristics of working-class people who are attending community colleges. Discusses InfoPLACE, a comprehensive career-planning resource center serving a socioeconomic cross-section of clients from a public library setting. Offers that using InfoPLACE before reaching the college campus can be beneficial. Presents examples of…

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…

Compared student satisfaction ratings for CHOICES, an interactive computer-based career guidance program, and the Self-Directed Search, a pencil-and-paper career planning guide. Results indicated a user preference for CHOICES, although both programs received positive ratings. The findings were discussed in terms of cost effectiveness. (Author/JAC)

Men's and women's immediate reactions to completing the Self Directed Search (SDS) and the Strong Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII) were assessed, as well as the impact of this testing on their subsequent behaviors four weeks later. A random sample of college freshmen at the University of Kansas (N=96) completed either the SDS, SCII, or both…

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…

In this guide, transition is defined as the period of time when adolescents are moving into adulthood. This guide is designed to (a) help youth and the adults who work with them understand the role of assessment in transition and (b) describe ways to collect and use data that will lead to informed choices based on accurate assessment of each…

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…