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Using Fuzzy Sets to Extend Holland’s Theory of Occupational Interests

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Fuzzy Systems Design

Part of the book series: Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing ((STUDFUZZ,volume 17))

Abstract

In psychology there are several examples of ways in which new methodological or analytic approaches have stimulated theory development. This chapter illustrates and applies ideas arising from fuzzy sets to highlight the importance of measuring both approach and avoidant reactions to activities, and to clarify and extend theoretical constructs in Holland’s (1982) typological theory of careers. The framework developed here combines concepts associated with 1) avoidance in decision-making, 2) Holland’s theory, and 3) fuzzy set theory. Data from two samples (N= 363 and N= 256) are used to illustrate the conceptual advantages of using fuzzy set theory. Three hypotheses arising from this framework are supported by findings from both samples. Finally, the chapter outlines directions for future research and some counseling applications of a fuzzy set approach to interests and interest types.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Psychology, Australia National University, 0200, A.C.T., Canberra, Australia

    Michael Smithson

  2. School of Behavioural Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Sydney, Australia

    Beryl Hesketh

Authors
  1. Michael Smithson
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  2. Beryl Hesketh
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Victoria University of Technology, P.O. Box 14428 MCMC, Melbourne, VIC, 8001, Australia

    Leonid Reznik

  2. Centre for Research in Healthy Futures, University of Western Sydney, Bourke St., Richmond, NSW, 2753, Australia

    Vladimir Dimitrov

  3. Systems Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Newelska 6, 01-447, Warsaw, Poland

    Janusz Kacprzyk

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© 1998 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Smithson, M., Hesketh, B. (1998). Using Fuzzy Sets to Extend Holland’s Theory of Occupational Interests. In: Reznik, L., Dimitrov, V., Kacprzyk, J. (eds) Fuzzy Systems Design. Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing, vol 17. Physica, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-1885-7_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-1885-7_9

  • Publisher Name: Physica, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-11811-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-7908-1885-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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