Psychometric properties of a career exploratory outcome expectations measure

Social cognitive career theory and research are advanced by increasing attention to career outcome expectations and by applying this theory earlier in the life span. This article offers the career exploratory outcome expectations construct as a means of applying the more general construct of career outcome expectations during the childhood period and introduces the psychometric characteristics of the Career Exploratory Outcome Expectations Scale (CEOES). Employing data from 446 fifth graders and item response theory (IRT), the CEOES presents a one-dimensional structure with a four-category Likert-type response scale. Favorable results of person- and item-separation reliability were found and the scale appears to perform equally well for both genders. The CEOES also demonstrated concurrent validity through positive associations with established self-efficacy measures. The CEOES constitutes a useful measure to study aspects of career outcome expectations in childhood, and psychometric findings affirm its use in the career assessment literature.