Date of Award
2012
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Abraham S. Fischler College of Education
Advisor
Nydia Cummings
Committee Member
Anne Joslin
Committee Member
Ronald P. Kern
Keywords
academic advising, career counseling, career planning, community based instruction, Computer Version, educational transitions, employment readiness, extraversion, individualized assessments, learning disabilities, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, occupational preferences, personality assessment, personality topology, professional employment, public schools, Self-Directed Search, southeastern United States, students with learning disabilities, students without learning disabilities, teaching careers, transition programs, vocational interests, workforce preparation, work preferences
Abstract
This study examined the preferences of career choice and personality topology of students with learning disabilities (SWD) in a public school setting located in the southeastern region of the United States. One purpose of the study was to increase participants’ awareness of the kind of work they are most compatible to do. Another purpose was to define the means by which participants develop, prepare for, identify, and obtain employment. The study consisted of a sample population of 50 SWD and another 50 students without learning disabilities (SWOD). The participants were given 2 self-assessments that provided awareness of personality and vocational interest.
The writer investigated differences in personality configuration patterns and vocational interests of SWD and compared the preferences with those of the SWOD. Through the administration of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Computer Version, and the Self-Directed Search, Computer Version, the writer was able to gain an understanding of how personality can influence the work preferences that participants may seek.
The writer collected data, such as participants’ occupational preference, interests, and individualized personality assessments outcomes. Research questions considered the following: (a) difference in career interests between SWD and SWOD and (b) personality topology patterns in the career preference for SWD contrasted with SWOD.
Results suggested that no overall significant personality differences existed between SWD and SWOD. However, after looking at all possible interactions between vocational preference assessment outcomes, differences for SWD and SWOD participants were observed; SWD extraverts preferred realistic and social careers such as mechanical or teaching. On the other hand, SWOD extraverts preferred investigative and social careers such as mechanical or sales. SWD introverts preferred scientific or artistic careers whereas SWOD introverts preferred scientific or clerical careers.
By identifying participants’ most important and least important career preferences, this research may assist in providing educators working with SWD better strategies for preparing transition into programs leading to occupational placement. Most of all, the outcome may assist SWD in obtaining gainful professional employment that matches their interests, work habits, and personality.