This paper examines the fit between our conceptions of career development and the available analytical models, with an eye to selecting the most appropriate models for analyzing career development data. Some of the basic assumptions of career development and of certain analytical techniques are summarized. Then some implications of the AAMC longitudinal study are enumerated. Eight hypotheses, based on the author's interpretation of certain longitudinal studies of career development are proposed. Problems and limitations of the commonly used methods of analysis are discussed, and specific recommendations are made regarding formulation of an appropriate model.
