This document collects five presentations in the field of vocational counseling and guidance. Its aim is to share research reports with vocational counselors, enhancing the level of this service in Canada. In the first paper, Benjamin Gottlieb discusses social networks and the gestalt of help-seeking, pointing out that persons are attached to…

A study was conducted (1) to obtain an estimate of the amount of error in prediction that occurs when static measures are used to interpret work-sample performance; (2) to identify a number of dynamic performance measures that reflect learning that might occur on the task; and (3) to compare the predictive accuracy of those measures to that of…

A study examined the relationship of aptitudes to the performance of skilled technical jobs in engine manufacturing. During the study, several approaches were utilized, including criterion-referenced validation, taxonomic validation, construct validation, and detailed anlaysis of the behaviors involved in performing the jobs. The study sample…

This study attempted to identify the occupational interests and perceived occupational aptitudes of psychology and special education majors. A series of 2 x 2 analyses of variance were performed to determine if these differences were a function of academic major or a function of gender. The study revealed that many of the differences found in…

High schools have traditionally focused on preparing students for entry-level jobs or for postsecondary education. Recently, federal legislation (e.g., 1990 and 1998 Perkins Acts) has encouraged a more integrated approach for all students, one that maintains college entry as a viable option while also providing a stronger foundation in work skills…

Describes the development and application of a kinesthetic sensitivity test to determine whether it is a valid and reliable measure of straight-copy typing speed and accuracy. The author states that this kinesthetic sensitivity instrument may be used as a prognostic aptitude test and recommends administration methods. (MF)

A study examined the underlying factor structure of the aptitude tests and work samples being completed by students with educational disadvantages (limited reading and mathematics skills) who were assessed with the current assessment model in the Akron (Ohio) Public Schools. The amount of variance accounted for by the factors was also…

The demand for managers with strong technical skills has led to increased interest in the selection and development of persons who have the potential to be successful managers. To learn more about early identification of persons possessing aptitude to manage, 82 engineering and science students completed a questionnaire describing behaviors they…

A study dealt with determining the feasibility of using work evaluation in adult basic education (ABE) programs in Wisconsin and the extent to which this evaluation process would be of value to the ABE programs and students. Five ABE students participated in a two-week evaluation in which their vocational aptitudes, interests, abilities,…

Validation studies were conducted on nine revised aptitude areas of the Army Classification Battery (ACB) to determine whether ACB scores provided an equitable indication of the qualifications of blacks and whites for training in major groups of Army jobs. The aptitude areas were: combat, field artillery, electronics repair, operators and food,…

The study outlines the development of a methodology for meaningfully estimating the value of classification information used by the Air Force to make selection and job assignment decisions which lead to the satisfaction of first-term enlisted manpower requirements. The methodology, called the optimal allocation strategy, is employed to solve a…

The study surveyed the postservice educational and occupational plans of 3,946 first-tour enlisted personnel nearing separation from military service. Data were collected using a questionnaire administered at military sites during September-December 1971. Analyses were made to characterize the postservice plans of the respondents and to identify…

Two visual monitoring tasks were used to further knowledge of the interactions between individual differences and task demands as determinants of performance and satisfaction. The subjects, 100 male university students, completed pre- and post-test batteries to assess general and specific abilities, personality variables, work orientation,…

Examined developmental behaviors in college seniors having made a career choice and compared these with behaviors of college seniors undecided about careers. Results suggest a relationship between student developmental tasks and career decisions. Career decisions were unrelated to psychological distress and the development of interpersonal…

Research was conducted to determine the effect of changing occupational specialties on the performance of Air Force retrained enlistees attending basic technical schools. The academic performance and attrition rates of approximately 20,000 retrainees and 230,000 nonprior-service enlistees (nonretrainees) attending 272 schools were compared.…