TITLE Traditional vs Computer Based Vocational Guidance and Counseling Systems: Implications for Disadvantaged Youth. PUB DATE

Disadvantaged eleventh graders who used a computer based guidance system (ECES) and traditional counseling for two years in making career decisions were compared. Frequency of changes and certainty concerning choice, feeling of involvement in decision making, and number of different jobs for which they would qualify are considered. A MANOVA analyzed the questionnaire responses. Counseling method, frequency of usage, and sex formed independent variables. Grade point average is a covariable. Significant differences generally favored males and traditional counseling. ECES more effectively furnished details concerning occupations. Traditional counseling assisted best with educational planning. Procedures for optimal combined usage of the methods appear indicated. (Author