| Abstract: | Computer-assisted career guidance (CACG) systems are developing at a prolific rate. They offer much promise for cost effective enhancement of the career guidance process. Research concerning the efficacy of such systems is limited. This study compares computer-assisted with traditional group career guidance conditions and comparing the two most sophisticated CACG systems, SIGIPLUS and DISCOVER for Adult Learners, with each other. The subjects were 56 first and second year college students who elected to take a two credit Career Development course designed to facilitate selection of college major or career choice. They were randomly assigned to groups. The treatment period was six weeks. They were tested pre and post using several measures of career maturity. A second posttest at the end of the 14 week semester provided additional information. Several conclusions were supported by this study. Career guidance groups were effective and fostered career development. Career guidance groups integrated with a computer-assisted career guidance system were at least as effective in general and more effective in some ways than traditional approaches in producing changes associated with enhanced career development. Computer-assisted career guidance systems are effective when used in conjunction with other career guidance modes or activities. Changes in effect size over time provide support for the use of the career/life planning course format to foster changes in developmental or maturational variables which brief treatment periods may not be able to address. The instruments used, the Career Development Scale, My Vocational Situation, the Career Exploration Survey and Self-Assessment of Confidence and Progress, were useful in assessing various facets of career development. While users liked both CACG systems, SIGIPLUS was slightly but consistently preferred to DISCOVER. Career development effects, regardless of treatment approach, need some time to develop. With enough time for changes in career development factors to emerge, SIGIPLUS again demonstrated a slight edge over DISCOVER in change effected. |
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