becoming fully “in touch” with all facets of the problem space
(Newell & Simon, 1972; Peterson, 1998; Sinnott, 1989), includ-
ing information signals from oneself and one’s environment. Full
identification and description of the gap creates a tension (referred
to as cognitive dissonance) that provides a motivational resource
for seeking a resolution to the career problem (Festinger, 1964).
The two important communication questions for clients at this
phase are, “What am I thinking and feeling about my career choice
at this moment?” and “What do I hope to attain as a result of career
counseling?”
2.Analysis. In the analysis (A) phase, causes of the problem are
identified and relationships among problem components are placed
in a conceptual framework. In this phase, effective problem solvers
step back and engage in reflection to understand the dimensions of
the problem and its causes. In the pursuit of this understanding,
individuals develop a mental model or representation (Cochran,
1994) of the problem and its ostensible causes. Intervening or con-
tributing issues, such as the quality of interpersonal relationships,
dual-career coordination, disability accommodation, or the status
of the respective components of the pyramid of information pro-
cessing domains that bear on the career issue are also identified.
The analysis question for clients is, “What are the reasons for the
gap between my present state of indecision and a more desired state
of decidedness?”
3.Synthesis. In the synthesis (S) phase, possible courses of
action are formulated through two processes: (1) elaborationand
(2)crystallization.Elaboration involves the creative generation of
a wide range of possible solutions, even unlikely ones, through
techniques such as brainstorming, creating analogies or metaphors,
and engaging in mental relaxation to free the mind of reality con-
straints (Bransford & Stein, 1984). Crystallization is the narrow-
ing of potential options to a manageable set of viable alternatives
through the application of relevant personal or provided constructs
(Crites, 1969; Neimeyer, 1992). The synthesis question is, “What
A COGNITIVE INFORMATION PROCESSING APPROACH 325