Testing Holland's Hexagon: Explanation and Criticism

Abstract

A description is given of Hubert and Arabie's test of whether an empirical matrix of correlations (between the six measures of vocational interests commonly abbreviated R, I, A, S, E, and C) supports Holland's hexagonal (circular order) model. The description makes clear that the test has severelimitations. Specifically, the circular ordering RIASEC is onlycompared with other circular orderings. Consequently, correlationmatrices arising from a model that is qualitatively different may berated very highly by Hubert and Arabie's test; several examples ofthis are given.