Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches of Assessments - Essay Example

1. Qualitative Approaches of Assessments: This is an objective approach and has several less rigid parameters. According to Goldman, the qualitative approach to assessment needs is more client involved and is based a lot more on standardized or objective tests.

II Explain:

1. Quantitative Approaches of Assessments: This form of assessment includes self–efficacy measurements. Here the individual’s judgment judges the ability to perform a task at a level. “These self–efficacy cognitions mediate action with the result that individuals avoid tasks or activities they believe are beyond their capabilities and instead engage in those they judge themselves capable of performing”.

1. Qualitative Approaches of Assessments: These assessments are based on two major philosophical positions, post-modern and logical positivism. The major practical differences between each of the perspectives are mainly in the assessment area. Logical positivists have relied a lot on traditional measurement devices. These include interest and personality inventories while the postmodern theories do not include the above-mentioned factors.

III Give Examples of:

1. Quantitative Approaches of Assessments: These assessments include Scholastic Aptitude Tests and other similar tests that are progressed through school. This is relatively common and most common to all the readers.
2. Qualitative Approaches of Assessments: These assessments include techniques like repertory grid and retest. These are relatively very complex and require extensive training before they can be used in career counseling. The post-modern assessments are easy to use and a few of the strategies and tests used here include Career – O – Gram, role play, card sorts, and genograms.

IV What are special needs?

Special needs are a term that is used to refer to clinical diagnostic and functional development to describe individuals who need assistance for disabilities that may include mental, psychological, and medical assistance.

V What is a disability?

Disability has been defined by WHO as, “.. is any restriction or lack (resulting from an impairment) of ability to perform an activity in a manner or within the range considered normal for a human being”.

VI List special needs in the book:

There are several special needs that are present. The author talks of eight essential needs which include:

1. Individuals with disabilities, which include both physical as well as mental disabilities,
2. Women in the workplace,
3. Displaced workers,
4. Workers with economic disadvantages,
5. Minorities groups and ethnic minorities,
6. Midlife job changers,
7. Delayed Entrants to the workforce, and
8. Older workers

VII List disabilities in the book:

The Disabilities as listed in the book include: a) Mobility, b) Hearing, c) Visual, d) Seizure Disorders, e) Developmental (for example Mental retardation, autism, epilepsy, Down Syndrome), f) Psychiatric, and g) Cognitive (example Learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder).