The Viability of Holland's Consistency Construct and Raw Score Assessments of Personality

Abstract

Holland hypothesized that personality pattern consistency is related to vocational satisfaction, stability, and success. The viability of this key construct in Holland's theory of careers is examined in light of the expected relationship between level of consistency and frequency of occurrence of 2-letter Holland personality codes. When norm-based reporting procedures are used, level of consistency and frequency of occurrence are related in accordance with expectations. However, several serious anomalies in the relationship occur when Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS) raw scores are used. Furthermore, there are serious discrepancies in the raw score results for males and females, contrary to expectations based on Holland's theory. These findings, considered in conjunction with previous research comparing the construct validity of raw scores and normed scores, indicate that the raw score results do not challenge the viability of Holland's theory. Further study of the psychometric justification for reporting raw score assessments of human characteristics is urged because of the potential impact of this practice on the testing industry, counseling, and counselees. With respect to counselees, SDS raw scores are shown to suggest widely divergent career options to males and females.