The role of the perceived structure of occupations in vocational behavior

The perceived structure of occupations derived from judgmental data and behavioral data were compared. The comparison was based on data of 277 users of a computerized occupational information and guidance system. The structure of interests was derived from responses to an interest inventory constructed according to Roe's classification of occupations. The perceived structure of occupations derived from behavioral data was based on the occupational alternatives considered by the subjects and from the occupational information they asked for. As hypothesized, the structures derived from judgmental and from behavioral data were found similar. The pattern of distances between the fields was different from the theoretical circular structure. A comparison of the predictions derived from the circular and hierarchical models regarding the relative proximity between the occupational fields revealed a higher percentage of confirmed predictions for the hierarchical model. This advantage was more pronounced in the behavioral data. The implications for occupational choice and career counseling are discussed.