Discover

History

DISCOVER traces its history from 1967 when JoAnn Harris-Bowlsbey, then Director of Guidance at Willowbrook High School, developed a computerized program for career counseling called CVIS [Page 1527](Computerized Vocational Information System). The next incarnation of her work was called DISCOVER; and in 1982, the DISCOVER Foundation merged with ACT.

With each advance in technology and career development theory, new versions of DISCOVER were developed, and each included different components and features. The core features of DISCOVER remain research-based inventories organized around ACT's World-of-Work Map and quality information about occupations, majors, schools, and other career-related issues. These components are interconnected to facilitate career exploration for users from middle school throughout the work life.

Theoretical Model

ACT's World-of-Work Map provides the unifying theme for finding and understanding occupations. Two empirically based dimensions underlie the map: one dimension involves working with data versus ideas, and the other dimension involves working with people versus things. These four basic work tasks (data, ideas, people, and things) serve as the four [Page 1528]compass points on the map—just like a regular map. Six career clusters, paralleling John L. Holland's six career types, are also represented on the map. Within these clusters, 26 career areas are located on the map. Each career area contains occupations involving similar combinations of basic work tasks. Because both occupations and Holland-type score profiles can be located on these two dimensions, the map provides a simple, yet comprehensive bridge from persons (assessment scores) to occupational options.

Figure 1 World-of-Work Map

Assessments

People can be located on ACT's World-of-Work Map using a variety of assessments. DISCOVER includes the ACT's Interest Inventory (UNIACT), the Inventory of Work-Relevant Abilities, and the Inventory of Work-Relevant Values. Each inventory has been developed through extensive research, and psychometric information is available at no charge. Inventory results are expressed as career areas on the World-of-Work Map, and users are encouraged to explore and mark their favorites. For many users, the three inventories suggest different career areas. After taking multiple inventories, it is possible to compare the recommendations of these inventories. Occupations that match one's interests may not match one's abilities, and the occupations that are most likely to satisfy one's values may include others that have not matched one's interests or abilities. Counselors can use the comparison of these results to assist clients to understand competing issues related to the career choice process.

DISCOVER also accepts scores from EXPLORE, PLAN, and the ACT. Results of these tests, as well as many tests and inventories from other publishers, are used in DISCOVER to help people find their place on the World-of-Work Map. Combining achievement data with self-assessment provides another valuable opportunity for self-awareness. After completing tests such as these, the use of DISCOVER for career exploration greatly enhances the value of the assessment information.

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