The structure of vocational interests among Chinese students

This study examines the structure of career interest among Chinese high school students in Hong Kong using interest test scores from the Self-Directed Search. Based on findings from exploratory factor analyses in which six-factor and three-factor solutions are examined, confirmatory factor analyses are conducted. Findings reveal that a hierarchical model of interest with six primary interest factors forming three interest clusters seems to be most valid for Chinese high school students. Although realistic and investigative interest forms one cluster, social interest loads on both the artistic cluster and the enterprising-conventional cluster. Implications of the findings are discussed based on the educational and cultural context in Hong Kong.