out the solution. For example, an individual who makes a decision
to pursue a graduate degree must decide where to attend school,
what to specialize in, how to pay for it, whether or not to relocate,
whether to attend full-time or part-time, and so on. Thus one can
appreciate the breadth and depth of the cognitive processing re-
quired to solve career problems and to make appropriate career
decisions.
Assumptions and Propositions
Four of the key assumptions regarding the application of CIP theory
to career problem solving and decision making are as follows. First,
career problem solving and decision making involve the interaction of both
affective and cognitive processes.Even though CIP emphasizes cogni-
tion, we recognize that emotions are an integral part of a complex
human task such as career problem solving (Epstein, 1994; Heppner
& Krauskopf, 1987; Lazarus, 1982; Saunders, Peterson, Sampson, &
Reardon, 2000; Zajonc, 1980). The awareness that a problem exists
may be coupled with anxiety, confusion, or depression; the analysis
phase may bring curiosity or puzzlement; the development of options
may be intriguing or even frightening; the evaluation of the final
options may bring about ambivalence; the arrival at a first choice
may result in relief; and the carrying out of a solution may be cou-
pled with excitement and anticipation. Thus viewing career prob-
lem solving and decision making from a CIP perspective involves
recognizing the full range of human emotions as they interact with,
enhance, or possibly impair the respective concurrent cognitive
processes.
Second,the capability for career problem solving depends on the avail-
ability of cognitive operations as well as knowledge (Sampson, Peterson,
Reardon, & Lenz, 2000a). The essential components of cognition in
career problem solving are analogous to the functions of a computer.
Data files represent self and occupational knowledge stored in long-
term memory (LTM); the programs are cognitive algorithms, also
stored in LTM, which transform information into more useful and
318 CAREER CHOICE AND DEVELOPMENT