CVE Career Development Theories 3 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theoretical framework uses the concept of 'work personality' and 'work competencies' as central constructs for vocational evaluation?
- Developmental theory (Super)
- Trait-and-factor theory (Parsons)
- Work adjustment theory (Dawis & Lofquist) (Correct answer)
- Constructivist theory (Savickas)
Correct answer: Work adjustment theory (Dawis & Lofquist)
The Theory of Work Adjustment by Dawis and Lofquist uses work personality (needs and values) and work competencies (abilities) as its core constructs.
Question 2: A vocational evaluator notes that a client's 'satisfactoriness' is high but 'satisfaction' is low. According to TWA, what is the most likely outcome?
- The client will be terminated by the employer
- The client is likely to voluntarily quit (Correct answer)
- The client will request a promotion
- The client's performance will decline over time
Correct answer: The client is likely to voluntarily quit
In TWA, low satisfaction (unmet needs) predicts voluntary turnover (quitting), while low satisfactoriness (unmet ability requirements) predicts involuntary separation.
Question 3: Holland's hexagonal model places Realistic and Social types directly opposite each other. What does this spatial arrangement signify?
- They are the most common personality types
- They have the lowest degree of psychological similarity (Correct answer)
- Individuals in these types earn the highest wages
- They require the same educational credentials
Correct answer: They have the lowest degree of psychological similarity
In Holland's hexagon, types positioned opposite each other have the least psychological similarity, making R-S pairings the most dissimilar.
Question 4: Which measure is derived from Holland's theory to indicate how closely a person's top three RIASEC codes match the three-letter occupational code?
- Differentiation index
- Consistency index
- Congruence index (Correct answer)
- Identity index
Correct answer: Congruence index
The congruence index (e.g., Zener-Schnuelle or Iachan index) measures how well a person's personality type matches the occupational environment type.
Question 5: According to Bandura, which source of self-efficacy information is generally considered the MOST powerful?
- Verbal persuasion from a trusted mentor
- Physiological and affective states
- Vicarious experiences with a role model
- Enactive mastery experiences (performance accomplishments) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Enactive mastery experiences (performance accomplishments)
Enactive mastery experiencesâactually performing tasks successfullyâare the most influential source of self-efficacy information because they provide direct evidence of capability.
Question 6: The 'maintenance' stage in Super's life-span model is characterized by which primary developmental task?
- Exploring occupational options and crystallizing preferences
- Preserving gains and updating skills to keep pace with work changes (Correct answer)
- Decelerating activity and disengaging from work roles
- Implementing a self-concept through occupational choice
Correct answer: Preserving gains and updating skills to keep pace with work changes
The maintenance stage (roughly ages 45-65) focuses on holding one's occupational position and adapting to new developments in the field.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST captures the key difference between Parsons' original trait-and-factor approach and modern person-environment fit theories?
- Parsons emphasized subjective values; modern theories emphasize objective test scores
- Parsons used a static one-time match; modern theories incorporate development and change over time (Correct answer)
- Modern theories reject the use of standardized assessments entirely
- Parsons required medical evaluation before career counseling
Correct answer: Parsons used a static one-time match; modern theories incorporate development and change over time
Parsons' framework was a static, one-time matching process, while modern P-E fit theories recognize that both persons and environments change and interact dynamically.
CVE Career Development Theories 3
Which theoretical framework uses the concept of 'work personality' and 'work competencies' as central constructs for vocational evaluation?