The Changing Nature of the Science of Vocational Psychology.
Abstract The purpose of this piece is to address the future of vocational psychology in the next decade. In the pursuit of this goal three major areas are discussed: person–environment psychology, vocational psychology and personality, and differing philosophies of science. The viability of the person–environment concept continues to be visible in the work of a number of theorists. There is a compelling need for vocational psychology to expand perspective and evaluate alternative person–environment models in investigating occupational choice and work adjustment. On the topic of vocational psychology and personality, there is a strong need for research that seeks to understand commonalities across the domains of interests, self-efficacy, personality, goals, and subjective well-being. On the issue of differing philosophies of science, the fact remains that we need both traditional quantitative and qualitative research philosophies and methodologies to facilitate discovery and justification in the science of vocational psychology.