Simpler May Still Be Better: A Reply to Eggerth and Andrew

Eggerth and Andrew (2006 [this issue]) provide a valuable contribution to researchers and practitioners using the C index to measure congruence when person or environment codes contain fewer than three letters. However, the computational procedures outlined by Eggerth and Andrew may be more complex than they need be. A simpler alternative to calculating C under these conditions is suggested that is more theoretically consistent in that it substitutes primary code letters when code letters are missing. Other issues involved in developing accurate estimates of person-environment fit are mentioned, and it is argued that contrary to some opinion in the field, congruence remains an important construct for counseling use and future investigation.