Comparing the effectiveness of two self-administered career exploration systems

This study compared the effects of the Self-Directed Search (SDS; Holland, 1985b) and the Career Decision-Making System—Revised (CDM-R; Harrington & O’Shea, 1992) on the career maturity of first-year college students. Participants (N = 84) completed measures of career decision-making attitudes (Crites, 1978b) and knowledge of career decision-making principles (Super, Thompson, Lindeman, Jordaan, & Myers, 1981) before and after participation in a career exploration treatment. Results revealed a significant effect of the CDM-R upon participants ’ knowledge of career decision-making principles. No other changes in career maturity, however, were revealed. Implications for career counselors and career development researchers are discussed. Effective career decision making requires a substantial degree of self-knowledge (Herr & Cramer, 1988). College students, in particular, need to recognize their values, strengths, weaknesses, motivation, psychologica