The purpose of this study was to examine predictive validity of trait complexes suggested by Ackerman on
university major field and career choice. Ackerman proposed 4 types of trait complexes(science-mathematics,
intellectual-cultural, social, clerical-conventional), each of which was represented by commonalities among
ability(intelligence), personality, and interest traits. To compute individual trait complexes scores, Gf and Gc
ability tests, Big five personality inventory, and Holland vocational interest scale were administered to 185
female undergraduate students. Three important findings were obtained. First, regression analysis showed
significant increments in the proportion of variance of career self-efficacy scores mainly because of ability
and personality traits after the vocational interest traits had already been taken into account, indicating the
usefulness of traits complexes.
Second, trait complexes tended to predict four broad university major fields choice well. Participants who
majored in arts and humanities showed the highest intellectual/cultural trait complex scores. Participants who
majored in physical sciences showed the highest science/mathematics trait complex scores. Participants who
majored in social sciences and business showed the highest intellectual/cultural trait complex scores. These
results were consistent with theoretical predictions. Third, four types of trait complexes tended to predict
career choice of university students well: That is, those who reported occupations of language and art
domains as their best-wish occupations showed the highest scores on intellectual-cultural trait complex.
Those who reported occupations of science, medicine, and computer domains as their best-wish occupations
showed the highest scores on science-mathematics trait complex. Those who reported occupations of
education, social welfare, and business domains as their best-wish occupations showed the highest scores on
social trait complex. Those who reported occupations of banker, secretary, public service personnel domains
as their best-wish occupations showed the highest scores on clerical-conventional trait complex. These
results were interpreted as indicating predictive validity of the trait complexes on career choice.