The Predictive Power of Measured Interests in Tertiary Course Choice: The Case of Science

Abstract

The structural relations between measured interests, school subjects studied, and preference for science and technology type tertiary courses in a group of male independent school students were examined in a longitudinal study. Sources of data included the Career Assessment Inventory and tests of scholastic aptitude completed at the beginning of Year 10, details of school subjects studied in Years 11 and 12, final examination results (Year 12), and details of first preference for a university or college course. The results showed that a substantial proportion of variance in both school subjects studied and tertiary course choice was predicted by measured interests. Students with higher general ability were more likely to apply for a science and technology type tertiary course. Students' occupational interests measured at Year 10 were strongly predictive of choice of school subjects for study in Years 11 and 12.