Fostering the Scientific Practice of Vocational Psychology

A strong measurement tradition has produced useful knowledge about individual differences in abilities, interests, personality, and work environments. Vocational psychologists apply this knowledge to assist persons develop their potential or overcome difficulties, and we assist people develop plans, make decisions, and pursue goals by employing products of research on decision making, plans, goals, and feedback. The historical strengths delivered of our research ethos are diminishing today as opinion substitutes for evidence, complex explanations are sought rather than eschewed, and postmodern confusion encroaches on vocational psychology. The Balkanization of the larger discipline contributes to this weakening. The integrity of vocational psychology is threatened by poorly trained “career professionals” and by the World Wide Web, which facilitates the delivery of career assistance without measurement or scientific foundation. Nevertheless, the field's foothold in colleges and universities, the world's population diversity, and the need for people to play ever more productive roles in the economy position the field to renew its momentum. In seizing these opportunities we should (a) renew our linkages with kindred fields; (b) embrace the goals of individuals, employers, and social groups; (c) restore training in psychological measurement; and (d) select and train students who will pursue science in the service of organizational goals and human welfare.