Strong Interest Inventory - Essay Example

s which matches the interests as well as the personal styles in relation to issues such as leadership qualities and risk taking abilities of the individuals is very important for the students as there is a strong relationship between the interests, preferences and personality. The school counselor also interacts with the students who are experiencing social or personal problems, and after identifying the issues aids them by providing counseling for achieving their academic and career goals. Due to legislative compulsions, the schools are required to update their testing programs and design new assessment methods.

There are standardized tests developed by the test publishers. In the recent years new editions of the Tests of Achievement and Proficiency Batteries have been released by the reputed test publishers. They also publish interest inventory tests which broadly measure the students’ vocational or academic interests. Attitude and personality scales used for measurement cover various parameters. For example the results of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment (CPP Inc., 2004) include: Scores on the level of interest on each of the six Holland Codes or General Occupational Themes.

 Holland Code Themes include – Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. Standardization: A standardized test conducted under standard conditions and vigilance, with specified time limits and scores are either norm or criterion referenced, and interpreted as per standards consistently. The standardized tests are useful in the assessment of academic success or achievement, and could also be effectively used for diagnostic testing in counseling for identifying weaknesses such as reading and writing skills as well.

ACT, SATII, GRE, MAT, GMAT, MCAT and LSAT are some of the good examples of standardized tests. Norming: Norm refers to average level of achievement or performance in relation to a group. Norm-referenced tests