Using a sophisticated coding system and extensive data analyses, 268 treatment-control contrasts from 47 studies published between 1983 and 1995 that examined the effectiveness of career interventions were subjected to meta-analytic review. Results are discussed in terms of effectiveness and efficiency of treatment and in relation to the previous…

The extent to which interest profile level reflects response style is reported for 23 diverse samples (10 interest inventories; N=53,429). Validity data were used to determine whether profile level is relevant to career counseling. Response styles and level of interest results are discussed. Five suggestions for practice are presented. (Author/EMK)

Monitored and utilized dialogues of 384 users of computerized information and guidance system to examine strategies used in exploration of occupational information. Analysis revealed patterns of exploring occupational information which were interpreted as reflecting different strategies-search within alternatives across attributes, or search…

This study provides some evidence that individuals may find the Self Directed Search differentially satisfactory in vocational counseling. (Author)

Examined learning outcomes associated with J.L. Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS). Participants (N=146) were randomly assigned to three conditions: the SDS, an attentional control, and no control. Hypothesized participants who completed the SDS would acquire Holland's complete RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, or…

This study is a preliminary exploration of how individual differences in gender role attitudes and ethnic identity might be related to career decision self-efficacy and the gender traditionality of career choice goals in a sample of 102 9th-grade Black and Latina girls. Extending social-cognitive career theory, the authors examined 2 path models…

Investigated processes underlying career-related preferences and readiness to make compromises. Analyzed 3,265 monitored dialogues with computer-assisted career guidance system and occupational preferences of 60 young adults. Findings supported hypotheses that perceived importance of aspect is positively correlated with degree of extremity of…

Investigated relations among four scales that measure conceptually related career-development constructs through scaling of questionnaire completed by undergraduate students (N=252). Found all four scales measured related vocational constructs. Results suggest further research needed to determine relations among constructs and to specify what…

A structured life-planning workshop geared to outreach or preventative vocational counseling for college students was studied. Behavioral and attitudinal measures derived from a career process model of career development were examined. Significant differences between experimental and control groups were found. (Author)

Communication apprehension, the apprehension an individual has about interpersonal communication, was hypothesized to affect both the perceived desirability of a number of occupations and the actual job choice made by subjects. Both hypotheses received support. (Author)

A scale was constructed to test Hershenson's 1968 formulation that in vocational development, self-differentiation precedes competence, which precedes independence, which in turn precedes commitment. Staff ratings on scale items related to each stage were made on 222 clients in a deaf rehabilitation project, who were divided into high- and…

Compares impact of the Vocational Exploration and Insight Kit (VEIK) with the Self-Directed Search (SDS) and the Vocational Card Sort (VCS). Results indicate the SDS, VCS, and VEIK have small and similar effects on women's vocational behavior. Findings support counselor-free techniques as appropriate and inexpensive methods of career exploration.…

Undergraduate students representing three ethnic groups were asked to rank-order help-givers for educational/vocational and emotional problems. Although none of the differences between groups or problem type were significant, the directions of small intergroup variations in help-source rankings supported other studies' findings regarding Blacks…

Subjects, who were Occupational Work Experience students, were randomly assigned to individual guidance from either a computerized occupational information system, to a counselor-based information system or to a control group. Results demonstrate a hierarchical learning effect: The computer group learned more than the counseled group, which…

Results indicated that women anticipated they would feel more comfortable with counselors who facilitated nontraditional career exploration than did men. Women evaluated traditional and nontraditional clients similarly. Men evaluated the traditional client more favorably regarding academic achievement. (Author/BEF)