Analyzing the homemaker job using the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ)

The Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) by E. J. McCormick et al was verbally administered by 5 interviewers to 48 female homemakers (mean age = 37.6 yrs) to (a) determine whether the job was amenable to analysis; (b) associate a wage with the job; (c) identify closely related jobs; and (d) examine correlates (such as age, taken from a biographical questionnaire) of PAQ descriptions. Ss showed consistency in their descriptions, indicating that the job was personally demanding and required sensitivity to oneself and one's environment and a variable activity schedule. A tentative, predicted wage of $740/mo was assigned. The occupational role of patrolman showed the greatest profile similarity. Lower socioeconomic level Ss described their jobs as less important, and the older and less educated described their jobs as less complex. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).