COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF VOCATIONAL MATURITY AND DECISION MAKING STRATEGIES OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The purpose of this study is to determine the vocational maturity levels and decision making strategies of high school students and to display whether there is a significant difference between the vocational maturity levels and decision making strategies of high school students. Data were collected as appropriate for a quantitative study and screening model was used which is a descriptive research method. A total 167 students who were enrolled at 9th grade of Near East High School participated at the study. "Vocational Maturity Scale" developed by Kuzgun and Bacanli (1996) and "Decision Making Strategies Scale" developed by Kuzgun (1992) were employed. The data were evaluated with average and multi-variate analysis of variance (MANOVA). According to the findings, it has been determined that vocational maturity levels of high school students is low but that they employ the rational decision making strategy, which is a sub-scale of decision-making strategies, more frequently than other strategies. Significant difference has been identified in the scores received from decision making strategies according to the vocational maturity levels of the students. Research findings revealed a necessity for planning and conducting studies for more implementation related to vocational counseling which will be provided at schools.