Authors : Emmanuel Atsue; Martha Ayim; Bridget Ikyaghako

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/w8urtnv5

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2ywcfyd6

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug106

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Counselling is a helping process that requires adequate and accurate information about the client to be effective. To understand the client holistically and provide appropriate intervention, counsellors employ various techniques for data collection and assessment. These techniques are broadly classified into test and non-test techniques. This study examines the concept, types, uses, advantages and limitations of test and non-test techniques in counselling. Test techniques refer to standardized and objective instruments used to measure specific traits, abilities and characteristics of individuals. They include psychological tests such as intelligence tests, aptitude tests, achievement tests, interest inventories, personality tests and attitude scales. These instruments provide quantifiable and comparable data that aid in diagnosis, prediction and decision-making. Nontest techniques, on the other hand, are non-standardized and subjective methods of gathering information about the client through direct interaction and observation. They include observation, interview, questionnaire, anecdotal records, autobiography, sociometry, case study and cumulative record. These techniques provide qualitative information on the client's background, behaviour, emotions and social interactions which cannot be easily obtained through standardized tests. The paper highlights that both techniques are complementary rather than mutually exclusive. Effective counselling requires the integration of data from both sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client. The study also discusses factors influencing the choice of techniques, ethical considerations in their use, and the implications for effective counselling practice in schools and other settings.

Keywords : Counselling Techniques, Test Techniques, Non-Test Techniques, Psychological Assessment, Client Appraisal.

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