Identifying the cognitive variables that moderate the occupational decision-making process

This research examined the task of occupational decision-making from the perspective of the Cognitive Information Processing model developed by Peterson, Sampson, Reardon and Lenz (1996). Peterson et al. have depicted how self-knowledge and occupational knowledge are employed through a sequence of steps, to arrive at an occupational decision. Self-knowledge in the form of vocational self-concept (Barrett & Tinsley, 1977) and ego-identity status (Marcia, 1966) were assessed for their ability to predict occupational indecision in a sample of predominantly first year university students. A number of individual cognitive variables were considered as potentially moderating the crystallization of vocational self-concept and the incidence of occupational indecision in an effort to expand the model.;Age, gender, and number of siblings were also assessed and found to have significant relations to vocational self-concept and the incidence of indecision. While this study added to the body of literature recognizing the importance of self knowledge to occupational decision-making, the effect of various individual cognitive variables on self-knowledge development was not well-supported. Thinking styles, specifically facilitating a rational approach to occupational decisions, may be an important consideration when assisting students in the occupational decision-making process. A number of implications for the CIP model, as well as implications for practice and for future research are identified.;Two regression analyses were performed, one to determine the variability in indecision attributed to vocational self-concept crystallization and ego-identity status and the second to assess the variability in self-concept crystallization attributable to the various cognitive variables assessed. The results of the first regression analysis indicated that vocational self-concept and ego identity were related in a significant and positive direction, as might be expected by two such similar variables, and that each contributed to the variability in indecision scores. The second regression analysis found that rational and experiential thinking styles were the only significant predictors of occupational indecision. The disposition to introspect had a significant correlation with indecision indicating increased indecision related to introspection. Cognitive complexity and critical thinking did not contribute significantly to the variability in vocational self-concept and its relationship to indecision.