Self-Directed Search

The Self-Directed Search (SDS) is an interest inventory based on John Holland's RIASEC theory that people, work, and educational environments can be classified according to six basic types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional (RIASEC). According to the SDS's publisher, Psychological Assessment Resources, Inc., the SDS is the most widely used interest inventory in the world and has been translated into 25 languages. The SDS helps individuals identify occupations and fields of study that best match their self-reported interests and abilities. The SDS is based on the assumption that individuals whose job and work environments closely match their personality and interests usually consider themselves satisfied and successful with the career choices they have made.

The most commonly used version of the instrument is the SDS Form R (SDS R). In the Form R Assessment Booklet, individuals list their occupational aspirations in the Daydreams section, which can be scored separately to generate a daydreams summary code, or expressed interest code. Users are initially asked to review the Occupations Finder to locate a three-letter RIASEC code for each occupation listed, which immediately engages them in an occupational exploration activity. Additional sections include self-ratings of activity preferences, competencies, and occupations. In the last section, users rate their abilities across the six RIASEC areas. The SDS R has a self-scoring system that produces a three-letter summary code. The summary code, also called the assessed code, reflects the three RIASEC personality types an individual most closely resembles.

The SDS is a stand-alone career planning simulation that imitates an interest inventory, as well as a psychological test. The original paper and pencil SDS R has been revised 4 times, most recently in 1994, and includes the Assessment Booklet, the Occupations Finder (1,335 occupations employing 99% of U.S. workers and updated with additional information technology and Internet occupations in 1999), and the [Page 1620]You and Your Career booklet, which includes a brief review of scientific ideas supporting the SDS, guidelines for interpreting scores and codes, the personality characteristics associated with each RIASEC type, and some suggestions for successful career planning. Normative data for the 1994 edition of SDS R can be found in the Professional User's Guide and Technical Manual available from the publisher.

Although most counselors are familiar with the SDS R paper version, the other varied SDS formats and versions are less widely known. A computer-based version of SDS R provides for faster administration and more efficient use of the inventory. The computer generates a 10- to 12-page Interpretive Report for users based on SDS summary scores and a 1- to 3-page professional summary for counselors that includes additional diagnostic information. A sample report is available at http://www.self-directed-search.com.

Besides these various formats of SDS R, other versions of the SDS include Form E (Easy) for persons with poor English language or reading skills, Form CP (Career Planning) used with adults working in organizations, and Career Explorer designed for middle school students. These alternative formats of the SDS have the same basic features of SDS R. An Internet version of the SDS is also available, but it omits the Daydreams section, and there is no professional summary generated. The Internet version can be accessed at http://www.self-directed-search.com. In addition, as noted previously, the SDS is available in many other languages including French, Icelandic, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese—to name a few.

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