What do interest inventories measure in contrast to aptitude tests during assessment instrument use?
What activities a person enjoys or gravitates toward.
Assessment instruments are quantitative tools used to provide objective data points about a client’s profile, but different instruments measure fundamentally different constructs. Aptitude tests are designed to measure potential ability—how capable an individual is in specific areas, suggesting inherent or developed skills. Interest inventories, conversely, serve a different purpose; they gauge a person's preference, curiosity, and inclination. They measure which types of activities, environments, or subject matters the individual naturally enjoys or is drawn toward engaging with. While aptitude shows capability, interest reveals motivational alignment, both of which are crucial inputs for determining job fit, though the text cautions against over-relying on quantitative scores alone.
