Ethical Issues in the Design and Use of Internet-Based Career Assessment

Abstract

The availability of career assessment on the Internet has led to many potential benefits for the general public and for career service practitioners. However, many potential problems also exist in terms of the design and use of Internet-based resources and services. This article discusses the ethical issues which may impact the way in which individuals and counselors access and use assessments offered via the Internet. Recommendations are offered for improving the effectiveness of Internet-based career assessment, in terms of needs for research and development, training, standards development and revision, and stable funding for the development of quality assessments. It is hoped that practitioners, test developers, and policy makers will become more aware of the issues involved and what they can do to maximize the potential benefits and minimize the potential problems associated with Internet-based career assessment.