Method evaluation
CTI is a theory with a precise area of applicability in supporting career-related decision-
making and which is based on evaluation and a series of resources for intervention. In this
situation, CTI supports clients in making correct, realistic decisions, which should match
their system of interests, values and attitudes, teaching them at the same time how to
solve in future similar situations.
Career Thought Inventory is a highly reliable instrument, making valid measurements
with respect to dysfunctional thinking concerning career-related problem solving and
decision-making in case of pupils, students, and adults.
Advantages: Counselling based on evaluation with CTI of career-related dysfunctional
thinking has in view both aspects related to cognition and emotional side of a client.
Broad accessibility of administration (including self-administration): minimum education
level required to read, understand the text of the inventory, operate (self) scoring, and
develop one’s individual profile is of 6.4 school years.
Clients themselves may employ either in individual and group counselling or CTI in the
individual career-related problem solving and decision-making process. At the same time,
CTI may be used as a personal checking instrument of the career-oriented decisions, as a
resource of learning, a means of outlining one’s self-image, a way to start a therapeutic
exchange, etc.
Disadvantages: CTI has a relatively low number of items, which somewhat limits its
applicability in particular situations clients might find themselves in during career-related
decision making.
Bibliography
Peterson, G.; Sampson, J.; Reardon, R. (1991). Career development and services. A
cognitive approach. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks / Cole.
Peterson, G.; Sampson, J.; Reardon, R.; Lenz, J. (1996). Becoming career problem
solvers and decision makers. A cognitive information processing approach. In: D.
Brown; L. Brooks (eds.), Career choice and development. San Francisco, CA:
Jossay-Bass.
Reardon, R.; Lentz, Janet; Sampson, J.; Peterson, Gary (2000). Career development and
planning. A comprehensive approach. Wadsworth, Brooks / Cole.