Criterion-Related Validity of Sex-Restrictive and Unisex Interest Scales: A Comparison

Two studies are described which compare the criterion-related validity of sex-balanced (unisex) interest inventory scales, for example, scales designed such that the distributions of scores are similar for males and females, and traditional, sex-restrictive scales. Approximately 1,600 college-bound high school seniors (study 1) and 2,000 college seniors (study 2) completed both the ACT Interest Inventory (ACT-IV) and the new Unisex Edition of the ACT-IV (UNIACT), which contains sex-balanced items. In both studies, each participant was placed in one of six criterion groups based on the correspondence of expressed occupational choice (study 1) and actual college major (study 2) to Holland types. Comparable levels of criterion-related validity were obtained with the unisex scales, sex-restrictive scales, and with sex-balanced scores obtained by the traditional procedure of using same-sex norms. Study results and the results of previous research indicate that psychometrically sound interest inventories can be constructed with sex-balanced items, and that counselors may use inventories which provide sex-balanced score reports without sacrificing validity. (Author/MH)