2015 AWARD RECIPIENTS



Career Development Research Award
Winners: James Sampson and Debra Osborn, Florida State University
Title: Understanding and Enhancing Career Information Literacy
Summary:

Previous research (McHugh, Lenz, Reardon, & Peterson, 2012) has shown that introducing individuals to a video that reinforces career information-seeking behavior increases the number of information-seeking strategies and the variety of sources used, while decreasing the amount of time spent seeking information. That study demonstrated that information presented in video format can have a positive impact on information-seeking behavior. In addition, career readiness, or one’s ability at a given time to engage the process, is a key component of career decision making (Sampson, Peterson, Reardon, & Lenz, 2004). The proposed research seeks to build upon these findings by examining factors that may impact an individual’s effective use of career information. Thus, our study will examine the relationship between career decision state and negative thinking (both readiness instruments for determining service delivery options for utilizing career resources), perceived utility of career information, and career information literacy. A second purpose of this study is to examine how perceived utility of career information and career information literacy are impacted by a brief training that demonstrates how career information can inform the career decision-making process and instructs viewers on issues related to career information literacy. Specifically, our research questions include:

  1. Does career readiness predict career information literacy?
  2. Does career readiness predict the perceived utility of career information?
  3. How does a brief training on using career information to enhance the career decision-making process impact career information literacy, and does this vary by state of career readiness?
  4. How does a brief training on using career information to enhance the career decision-making process impact perceived utility of career information, and does this vary by state of career readiness?
  5. Does career readiness predict the amount of assistance desired in using career information?


Graduate Student Career Development Research Award
Winner: Eric Garcia, University of Oregon
Summary:

The aim of this study will be to examine the effectiveness of the Oregon Career Information System (CIS) in increasing high student students’ career self-efficacy, career interests, and postsecondary plans. Oregon CIS is an internet-based system of occupational and educational information designed to help participants become more knowledgeable about the labor market and education system as well as provide career planning support. Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT; Lent, Brown, & Hacket, 1994, 1996) provides a useful foundation for understanding the academic and career-related interests, actions, and outcomes among high school students using Oregon CIS. Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) is based on Bandura’s (1986) social cognitive theory, which emphasizes the interactive relationships among environmental factors, personal factors, and actual behaviors. According to Lent, Brown, & Hacket, (1994), learning experiences influence the development of career self-efficacy (beliefs about one’s own capabilities) and outcome expectations, both of which are affected by learning experiences such as knowledge of occupational information and firsthand experiences. This interaction between self-efficacy and outcome expectations is believed to influence individuals’ career goals, choices, and overall outcomes. Individuals with high career-related self-efficacy and outcome expectations are more likely to pursue and achieve corresponding vocational aspirations (Lent, Brown, & Hacket, 1994).

News Release - 2015 Research Awards   

 

2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS

  1. Distinguished Service Award
    For outstanding contributions to the career information industry. 
    Winner: Dan Erdmann

  2. Fellow Award
    For long-term contributions to the career information industry. (Only ACRP members in good standing are eligible.) 
    Winner: Tami Palmer

  3. Research and Development Award
    For research and development work that exemplifies ACRP’s mission. 
    Winner: Nancy Karpowitz

  4. Outstanding Support Award
    For outstanding work in a supporting role.
    Winner: Dorothy Wolf


2013 Award Recipients

  1. Distinguished Service Award
    For outstanding contributions to the career information industry.
    Winner: Marc Breton

  2. Fellow Award
    For long-term contributions to the career information industry. (Only ACRP members in good standing are eligible.)
    Winner: Don Phillips

  3. Research and Development Award
    For research and development work that exemplifies ACRP’s mission.
    Winner: James Sampson

  4. Outstanding Support Award
    For outstanding work in a supporting role.
    Winners:
    • Amy Rivera (University of Wisconsin Center on Education and Work)
    • Meegan Isenhour (Encouragement Services, Inc.)
    • Kathy Gragert (Minnesota Career Information System)