What does the trait-and-factor approach usually rely on?

The trait-and-factor approach primarily relies on psychometric information, which involves the scientific measurement of individual characteristics, abilities, and personality traits. This approach is foundational in career counseling and development as it seeks to match an individual's traits with the factors needed for various occupations.

By utilizing psychometric assessments, counselors can gather quantitative data about an individual's strengths, interests, and aptitudes. This empirical basis allows for a systematic evaluation of how well a person's traits align with the requirements of specific jobs or fields, facilitating informed career choices.

While environmental factors, observational methods, and social learning theory can play roles in comprehending human behavior and career paths, they do not form the core structure of the trait-and-factor approach, which is deeply embedded in the use of standardized tests and assessments to derive insights about individuals.