CourseCompass Scientific Methodology
CourseCompass assessments are built on four established psychological frameworks. This page explains each framework, its scientific basis, and how it is applied within our assessments.
1. RIASEC Model (Holland Codes)
Definition: The RIASEC model, developed by psychologist John L. Holland (1959), classifies people and work environments into six types based on vocational interests.
The Six Types
- Realistic (R) — Practical, hands-on work. Enjoys building, fixing, outdoor activities. Example careers: engineering, agriculture, trades.
- Investigative (I) — Analytical, intellectual work. Enjoys research, problem-solving, science. Example careers: research science, medicine, data analysis.
- Artistic (A) — Creative, expressive work. Enjoys design, writing, performing. Example careers: graphic design, journalism, architecture.
- Social (S) — Helping, teaching, counselling. Enjoys working with people. Example careers: teaching, nursing, social work.
- Enterprising (E) — Leading, persuading, managing. Enjoys business and influence. Example careers: management, law, marketing.
- Conventional (C) — Organised, detail-oriented work. Enjoys data management, procedures. Example careers: accounting, administration, IT support.
How CourseCompass Uses RIASEC
The Course Compass generates a three-letter RIASEC code (e.g., "ISA") representing the student's top three interest types. This code is matched against course profiles to identify best-fit CAO courses.
Academic References
- Holland, J.L. (1997). Making Vocational Choices: A Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments (3rd ed.). Psychological Assessment Resources.
- Nauta, M.M. (2010). The development, evolution, and status of Holland's theory of vocational personalities. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 57(1), 11–22.
2. Big Five Personality Traits (OCEAN)
Definition: The Big Five model (also called OCEAN or the Five-Factor Model) is the most widely accepted framework in personality psychology.
The Five Dimensions
- Openness to Experience — Imagination, curiosity, preference for novelty vs. routine.
- Conscientiousness — Organisation, dependability, self-discipline.
- Extraversion — Sociability, assertiveness, positive emotionality.
- Agreeableness — Cooperation, trust, empathy.
- Neuroticism — Emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness.
How CourseCompass Uses Big Five
Personality scores refine course matching beyond interests alone. For example, a student with high Conscientiousness and Investigative interests may be well-suited to structured science programmes, while high Openness may indicate suitability for interdisciplinary courses.
Academic References
- McCrae, R.R. & Costa, P.T. (1999). A five-factor theory of personality. Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research, 139–153.
- John, O.P. & Srivastava, S. (1999). The Big Five trait taxonomy. Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research, 2, 102–138.
3. VARK Learning Styles Framework
Definition: VARK, developed by Neil Fleming (1987), identifies four sensory modalities through which people prefer to receive and process information.
The Four Modalities
- Visual (V) — Learns best through diagrams, charts, maps, and spatial understanding.
- Auditory (A) — Learns best through listening, discussion, and verbal explanation.
- Read/Write (R) — Learns best through reading text, writing notes, and lists.
- Kinaesthetic (K) — Learns best through hands-on experience, practice, and physical engagement.
How CourseCompass Uses VARK
The Learning Style Assessment identifies a student's dominant and secondary learning modalities, then provides tailored study strategies and environment recommendations.
Academic References
- Fleming, N.D. & Mills, C. (1992). Not another inventory, rather a catalyst for reflection. To Improve the Academy, 11, 137–155.
4. Aptitude Testing
Definition: Aptitude tests measure cognitive abilities relevant to academic and career performance, independent of prior knowledge.
Three Aptitude Domains
- Verbal Reasoning — Understand and analyse written information, draw inferences, evaluate arguments.
- Numerical Reasoning — Interpret numerical data, perform calculations, identify quantitative patterns.
- Abstract Reasoning — Identify patterns, logical rules, and relationships in novel visual information.
How CourseCompass Uses Aptitude Scores
Aptitude scores are combined with RIASEC interests and personality traits to produce a holistic student profile. Courses requiring strong numerical reasoning (e.g., engineering, actuarial science) are weighted accordingly.
How It All Comes Together
CourseCompass uses a multi-dimensional matching algorithm that combines:
- RIASEC code → identifies interest-aligned course fields
- Big Five profile → refines matches based on personality fit
- Aptitude scores → ensures cognitive alignment with course demands
- AI analysis → generates personalised explanations of why each course is recommended