Theoretical background
Computers are not in themselves a specific career counselling method, but merely an
application of those counselling functions requiring algorithmic processing of
information, complex calculus and routine operations that can be modelled and
transposed through a logical programme (software), which uses various electronic
multimedia resources / contents (such as text, hypertext, images, animation, sound),
through certain equipment (hardware – the computer with its peripherals: camera, printer,
keyboard, headsets, microphone, etc.). The development of computer-based counselling
applications made computer-based counselling a specific method.
In career counselling, both self-knowledge and information on opportunities only make
sense in the perspective of identifying the most efficient and satisfactory educational and
professional progress. In order to make a good decision referring to one’s future career,
personal features must be in agreement with professional requirements.
Computer-based psycho-pedagogical tests and questionnaires are applications of the
computer, which automatically measure intellectual capacity, knowledge or school
results, interests, aptitudes, values or personality traits.
Computer-based applications in the field of psychological testing take on many forms
function of the technology employed and the purpose of testing. According to the
medium employed, we can make the following classification: interactive Internet tests or
stand-alone programmes. By purpose of testing, we differentiate between tests /
questionnaires of interests, aptitudes, values, personality, etc.
Various famous institutions such as The American Psychological Association (APA) and
The Association for Measurement and Assessment in Counselling and Development
(AMECD) have developed a series of standards and principles of effective and
responsible testing for the main stages of the assessment process: selecting the test,
instruction, administration, data processing, and interpretation. These could be
summarized in the following principles:
- ensuring test reliability and validity;
- adapting to various client categories;
- respecting standard procedures of administration, processing and
interpretation; - adequate instruction in view of testing and interpretation;
- assistance and clarifications if necessary in any stage of test;
- control of testing environment and favourable climate.