Understanding Career Aspirations Among Young Women: Improving Instrumentation. (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gregor, Margo A.; O'Brien, Karen M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of career assessment. Volume 24:Number 3(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 559
• Page End: 572
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: career aspiration -- leadership -- achievement -- women's career development; Vocational guidance -- Periodicals; 331.702
• DOI: 10.1177/1069072715599537
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1069-0727

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to improve an instrument used to assess career aspirations (the Career Aspiration Scale), so the revised measure can be used with confidence in research and practice. Items were added to the existing two scales (educational and leadership aspirations) to enhance reliability. In addition, items assessing a third construct of importance to the operationalization of career aspiration (i.e., achievement aspiration) were developed for inclusion in the revised measure. Three studies to assess the psychometric properties of the Career Aspiration Scale–Revised (CAS-R) were conducted with a total of 583 undergraduate and graduate women. The results of confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the three-factor solution assessing achievement, leadership, and educational aspirations had good model fit. Support also was found for the reliability and validity of the CAS-R when used with undergraduate and graduate women. Suggestions for future research and practice using this measure are provided.