EFFECTS OF TRAINING AND RATING SCALES ON RATING ERRORS

Ninety business students were randomly assigned to one of three conditions where they used behavioral observation scales (BOS), behavioral expectation scales (BES), or trait scales in observing people on videotape. Half the individuals received four hours of training to minimize rating errors. Rating errors were reduced significantly regardless of the rating scale that was used. However, behavioral criteria were more resistant to rating errors than trait scales. There was no significant difference between BOS and BES on this dimension. With regard to practicality, BOS were evaluated as significantly better than BES and trait scales. BES and trait scales did not differ significantly on this measure.     

Using the Client's Religious Values to Aid Progress in Therapy

The client's religious values could be put to use to promote growth in therapy, as detailed in this brief report.     

The Position of the Single-Parent Father

This article presents the profile and roles of the single-parent father. Problems that fathers face at work and at home are discussed. Recommendations are presented for counselors who work with single-parent fathers.     

PREDICTING JOB PERFORMANCE OF LOW INCOME WORKERS: THE WORK OPINION QUESTIONNAIRE

This study outlines the development of the Work Opinion Questionnaire (WOQ), a measure of job-related attitudes. The 35-item attitude measure was validated on 670 C.E.T.A. workers in a large midwestem city. The WOQ was effective in predicting job performance in entry level positions. Potential applications and limitations of the WOQ are discussed.     

Feedback and accountability

This article describes a communications system for planning and carrying out guidance and counseling activities. In the proposed model not only professional team members but also consumers of professional services are regarded as active participants in all phases of guidance, from goal identification through outcome evaluation. The article stresses the importance of an adequate feedback system used by all participants and describes its relationship to counselor accountability.     

Accountability: a boon to guidance

Accountability for guidance: How appropriate is it? Can it aid in educational reform? Is it a professional help or hindrance? The author examines these questions, placing emphasis on the PPBS model and showing samples of program structure and program analysis based on that model. He concludes that the accountability movement can be a positive force if implemented properly.     

Manpower trends: counseling or political solutions?

A review of manpower trends and political developments reveals that governmental decisions threaten to reduce job and training opportunities. Career counselors must be prepared to help clients cope with reduced opportunities. In this article the author describes several alternatives for helping clients in this situation. He maintains that political action by APGA should be one of the alternatives—perhaps the most appropriate one—if APGA is to continue its established tradition of supporting social development.     

Furthering career education through counseling

There is no provision in career education for formally fostering such general attitudes as a sense of agency and a feeling of self-esteem or such bask skills as time management and interpersonal cooperation. Counselors can contribute directly to career education by teaching such attitudes and skills. This article discusses the need for providing basic attitude and skill training, and it outlines some new replicable counseling procedures that can be used to develop and build such attitudes and skills.