Questionnaire Description

The questionnaire “Youth, School, and Profession” is a self-report tool based on the design of Verma and Ainsworth (1986) and Gibson and Ogbu (1991). It consists of open-ended and closed-ended questions covering five thematic sections: general information (demographic data), school and work (questions exploring young people’s attitudes toward school and the problems they face), young people’s views on professions (what interests them, what discourages them, how they choose a profession, and what they know about the conditions of work), expectations and concerns (the difficulties of transitioning into the job market), and finally, representations and perceptions that explore the problems young people believe they will encounter in the future, as well as their needs regarding career support.

Data Analysis and Use

The tool was used in a study with 328 adolescents (144 girls and 184 boys) in the 9th grade (Γ’ Gymnasium) and 11th grade (Β’ Lyceum) from Western Thessaloniki. The collected data is used to understand young people’s attitudes toward school and work, and to highlight their concerns about their professional future. The responses are analyzed using a combination of quantitative (statistical processing) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methods.

Objective

The objective of the questionnaire is to explore the transition processes of young people from school to the job market through the study of their experiences, attitudes, and expectations.

Calibration

The tool’s calibration is based on closed-ended questions, likely using a Likert scale to quantitatively record attitudes and perceptions, while open-ended questions offer the possibility for qualitative analysis. The tool’s validity and reliability are supported by the adaptation of well-tested questionnaire models used in international research.

Bibliography

Deligianni, V., Psalti, A., & Mpournoudi, E. (1996). Local networks promoting young people belonging to disadvantaged groups in the labor market. Final Report, CEDEFOP.
Gibson, M. A., & Ogbu, J. U. (1991). Minority status and schooling. A comparative study of immigrant and involuntary minorities. London: Garland.
Verma, G. K., & Ainsworth, B. (1986). Ethnicity and educational achievement in British schools. London: McMillan.