Cross-cultural differences in vocational interests: Between-groups differences on the strong interest inventory

This study was designed to examine the vocational interests among members of the same racial/ethnic group who differ in age, educational level, and professional attainment. Student samples of African Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and American Indians (n = 3,637) completing the Strong Interest Inventory (L. W. Harmon, J. C. Hansen, F. H. Borgen, & A. L. Hammer, 1994) were compared with the racial/ethnic minority professionals in the 1994 criterion group and a 10% sample of the Caucasian professionals (n = 1,699). The largest effect size was found for sex differences in interests. Student samples had significantly lower scores on all 6 Holland themes than professionals.