Validity Study

The study confirms that the MAPP assessment provides career predictions comparable to the Strong Vocational Interest Inventory. The significant correlations reinforce MAPP’s reliability in identifying occupational matches, making it a strong tool for career exploration.

Executive Summary (April 2001)

A study by Gilbert (1997) compared the MAPP assessment with the Strong Vocational Interest Inventory. While the initial results were promising, the small sample size (n=30) limited the strength of the findings. To further validate MAPP’s performance, a second study with a significantly larger sample was conducted. The results confirmed that occupational preferences predicted by MAPP closely aligned with those from the Strong Vocational Interest Inventory.

Methodology

Sample Size

133 individuals, primarily in technology-related positions.

Procedure

Participants completed both the MAPP assessment and the Strong Vocational Interest Inventory.

Analysis

Occupational-match correlations were examined based on prior findings from the Gilbert (1997) study.

Findings

Overall Correlation Trends
  • A substantial number of positive and negative correlations were observed.
  • The median correlation was close to zero, indicating a balanced distribution of similarities and differences.
Significance of Occupational Matches
  • Significant correlations were found for 88 matching occupations between MAPP and Strong.
  • Correlation scores ranged from +0.78 (strong similarity) to -0.25 (dissimilarity).
  • Of 149 total correlations, only three were in the wrong direction (negative), and three were approximately zero.
  • The median correlation was 0.56, suggesting a strong alignment.
Interpretable Patterns
  • Occupations within the same thematic area showed positive correlations.
  • Dissimilar occupations were negatively correlated, supporting the validity of MAPP’s occupational predictions.

Conclusion

The study confirms that the MAPP assessment provides career predictions comparable to the Strong Vocational Interest Inventory. The significant correlations reinforce MAPP’s reliability in identifying occupational matches, making it a strong tool for career exploration.