Which of the following is a primary critique associated with the early guidance movement?

• A. Focusing too much on testing rather than human development
• B. Overemphasizing career counseling
• C. Neglecting school infrastructure
• D. Relying on outdated educational theory

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that the early guidance movement drew sharp criticism for relying too heavily on tests to place students into careers, at the expense of broader human development. This approach treated guidance as a way to sort and direct individuals based on test results rather than supporting their overall growth, self-understanding, and emotional and social development. That focus on testing and classification narrowed the counselor’s role to measurement and placement, which many thinkers argued ignored the fuller process of developing a person's potential and adapting to life changes.

So the best choice captures this central critique: the movement prioritized testing over the broader development of the individual. While career guidance was a feature of the movement, the dominant concern was how much weight tests carried in shaping guidance decisions, rather than fostering holistic growth.