A Psychometric Evaluation of a Scale for Assessing Counsellor Orientation

Abstract

The measurement of which theoretical orientation counsellors follow has been suggested as beneficial to counselor training and research. One scale (the Counselor Orientation Scale, Loesch & McDavis, 1978) has been used both in the USA and Australia and results presented which argue for the reliability and validity of this instrument. A replication of these studies was performed and data suggest that, while the reliability of the COS is adequate, 22 of the 35 items are unnecessary and do not discriminate between orientations as claimed. A global question is suggested as an alternative to this instrument. 1983 Australian Psychological Society