Using Holland's Theory to Study Patterns of College Student Success: The Impact of Major Fields on Students

摘要: For the past ten years or so we have explored use of person-environment fit theory John Holland (1966, 1973, 1985a, 1997) to study change and stability abilities, interests values college students within their academic disciplines (Smart & Feldman, 1998; Smart et al., 2000, 2006; Feldman 2001; 1999, 2004). In doing so, become increasingly cognizant following two properties Holland’s theory: (1) its usefulness in tracking alternative kinds student success; (2) strength sociological potentials implications embedded it. The present chapter presents a systematic exposition articulation these domains interest. After presenting brief overview theory, consider new directions for research on success. ensuing discussion focuses patterns success (within major fields), which illustrate with longitudinal data. We then practical, programmatic policy our analysis, followed by comparison other contemporary efforts understand