Career-intervention outcome: A replication and extension of Oliver and Spokane (1988).

TLDR

Studies from 1983–1995 on career interventions were meta‑analytically reviewed to replicate Oliver and Spokane (1988). The study coded 268 treatment–control contrasts from 47 studies involving 4,660 participants using a sophisticated coding system and extensive data analyses. Average effect sizes were smaller yet similar to earlier findings; individual counseling proved most effective and efficient, computer interventions most cost‑effective, and treatment intensity did not predict effect‑size magnitude.

Abstract

Studies published between 1983 and 1995 that examined the effectiveness of career interventions were subjected to a meta-analytic review to replicate L. W. Oliver and A. R. Spokane's (1988) study. Using a sophisticated coding system and extensive data analyses, this study examined 268 treatment-control contrasts from 47 studies that involved 4,660 participants. The average overall effect sizes were smaller but similar to those found previously. Individual career counseling was found to be the most effective and efficient treatment, whereas computer interventions were the most cost-effective. The results of this study do not support the previous finding that treatment intensity predicted effect-size magnitude.