Understanding the world of work is contingent upon the availability of good occupational information. Since the individual must interpret what he knows about himself in terms of his understanding of the characteristics of the world of work, it is important that the world of work be described to him in terms that make this interpretation easy. Jobs…

Describes construction of an occupational classification structure and development of interest and aptitude measures for assessing counselees in relation to these two primary dimensions of the structure. Details uses of the Guide for Occupational Exploration, the keystone of the new counselee assessment-occupational exploration system. (RC)

Reviews the literature on vocational interests. Ten themes about vocational interests are discussed: development, correlates, measurement, homogeneity and differentiation, career choice, sex differences, stability, structure, career counseling, and cultural influences. Claims these themes are similar to major issues discussed by Strong in his…

Introduces specific techniques to enhance client change by using vocational assessment tools. Techniques are discussed with respect to the stages of a developmental change model. Illustrates sample counseling techniques (i.e., validation and concrescence, revitalization, and meaning making), so that career counselors can help clients use…

The development and use of the GATB in the United States is presented by a Canadian author. The history of establishing the norms for the GATB is also discussed. The use of the GATB as a counseling and selection tool is outlined while another section of the article points out the advantages and disadvantages of the test battery. There are also…

The Ohio Vocational Interest Survey (OVIS) has two aims: (1) to assist youth in understanding themselves in relation to the world of work and, (2) as a result, to provide a background for career choice. To do so, OVIS provides a functional system for relating an individual's interests into broad homogeneous clusters of jobs. OVIS consists of a…

Compared (a) three vocational assessment batteries, (b) structured individual counseling and unstructured individual counseling, and (c) mixed-sex versus same sex career groups in terms of their usefulness, educational value, and enjoyability as perceived by gifted adolescents. Students preferred a test battery consisting of the Self-Directed…

Offers a practical evaluation and a technical evaluation of a military-generated career exploration program. Concludes that the instrument is a superb example of a multiple-aptitude battery due to its psychometrics, extensive norming data, and excellent materials. Cautions against adoption of instrument for civilian use without further testing.…

Investigated the relationships of self-efficacy (via the Holland themes) to dimensions of personal style and personality. Examined correlations (1) Skills Confidence Inventory (SCI); (2) Myers-Briggs Type Indicator; and (3) Strong Interest Inventory. Findings support the validity of the SCI and, therefore, of all three instruments. (Author/EMK)

ASVAB, a vocational aptitude battery designed by the Department of Defense and being offered to high schools at no cost, is examined. The instrument is found to fall short of the claims made for it, but the test may be useful for certain purposes. (Author)

A longitudinal study beginning in junior high school demonstrates the significance of occupational need-values in educational and vocational aspirations and in classroom behavior. (Author)

Reports results of a 1979 national survey of test usage in grades 7-12. Results indicated schools continued to give tests and desired to do more testing, at least for career guidance, if funds were available. Found the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery was the most popular career guidance test. (Author/JAC)

The structure of this report is as follows: First, specific aptitude theory and general ability theory, the two theories of the relation between ability and job performance, are presented and differentiated. Second, there is a discussion of problems in the current use of the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) and of problems in the use of…

These career assessment guidelines provide an assessment packet that can be used by special education teachers or guidance counselors to assess the vocational and career interests of middle and high school special education students. The materials are designed to assist with test interpretation, to help high school students make realistic…