Using career theory to integrate qualitative and quantitative career assessment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Qualitative and quantitative career assessment are based on differing philosophies of science, with qualitative assessment based on postmodern assumptions and quantitative assessment based on modern assumptions. Taken literally, the philosophical assumptions of both approaches are incompatible; if career practitioners accept the assumptions of one, they must reject the assumptions of the other. However, taking an all or nothing stance in selecting career assessments to support the career counselling process is unnecessary (Sampson, 2009) and may not be in the best interests of the client. We support a more pragmatic strategy that views qualitative and quantitative career assessment as potentially complimentary (McMahon & Watson, 2012) where career practitioners and clients are free to choose assessments with features that best meet specific client needs. Instead of focusing on philosophical assumptions, we advocate focusing on intervention outcomes and the processes by which these outcomes occur. Let’s determine what we want to achieve first and then determine the best way of getting there.