A computer-based system for converting test data into locally-validated counseling information was developed and field tested with potential vocational school students. Two data information conversion procedures were used: similarity (centour) scores based on discriminant analyses and success estimates based on experience tables. Illustrations of…

Objective procedures for converting test data into counseling information are discussed and illustrated, with special attention being given to similarity scores and similarity score profiles. Local validity studies are needed to support data-information conversion procedures. Computer-based systems are also valuable. (Author)

Maintains that sex bias in vocational interest assessment is a serious problem. Provides suggestions on what to do about it as well as information on vocational interest assessment. (JOW)

This article presents the experience of an area vocational school to illustrate how counselors, with the help of a computer, can obtain locally validated test information useful in vocational counseling. (Author)

Assessed dimensions of adolescent career development using several well-established, objectively scored instruments. Attention was given to the correlations between measures of academic achievement and career development. Correlations among 19 scales administered to (N=237) 11th graders revealed three clusters of converging scale pairs, labeled…

Recent research is summarized on interest assessment procedures as it bears on the issue of sex restrictiveness. Studies documenting sex restrictiveness in widely used interest inventories are cited, and alternatives to sex-restrictive interest assessment are suggested. Separate consideration is given to basic interest scales and to occupational…

The construct validity of vocational interest test scores was examined by finding the interest profiles of 15,447 college students in 51 majors. Standard scores based on same-sex norms were found to be more valid on this criterion than were raw scores. (CTM)

An attempt is made to show that career development theory and career decision-making theory both provide a firm foundation for the role of tests in career guidance. This role is primarily to stimulate, broaden, and provide focus to the exploration of self in relation to career. To effectively implement this role, test publishers must devote much…

Two approaches to the validation of occupational interest inventories are considered. The approaches vary according to whether one is interested in predicting students' occupational preferences as opposed to assisting counselors in advisement. One empirical example using female college students is presented. (Author/JKS)

This digest focuses on the career counseling process, specifically on the contribution of assessment procedures to career exploration and planning. Because these career development tasks are experienced by everyone, this digest addresses assessment for the many rather than intensive, problem focused career counseling. The following basic…

This study determined the validity of vocational interest scores for persons with high, medium, and low levels of experience appropriate to their predominant interests. The experiences and interests of a national sample of 1,380 young adults were assessed concurrently with scales paralleling Holland's types. The degree of congruence between…

Information from tests, when considered in the context of decision theory, can play an important role in vocational development. This role is primarily one of stimulating and facilitating exploratory behavior. Objective procedures for converting test data into counseling information are discussed and illustrated with special attention being given…

General objectives were to develop and implement computer-based procedures for obtaining validated data on the characteristics of vocational school students and to convert this data into counseling information. Two types of data-information conversion procedures were field-tested: similarity scores based on discriminant analysis, and success…