The Strong Interest Inventory® is a carefully constructed questionnaire that inquires about your level of interest in a wide range of familiar items. For each of the 291 items, you are asked to indicate your preferences from among three response categories on an answer sheet. The answers are then analyzed by computer to derive scores on measures of interest type, called scales.
The Strong uses your responses to the items to compare your pattern of responses to the patterns of responses of people of different types and in different occupations. This combination of information from you compared with information about other people allows us to make assumptions about whether you are likely to find satisfaction in the work typically done in a given occupation.
The power of the Strong thus rests on two assumptions: (1) that the day-to-day activities typical of a specific occupation are reflected in the interests of the people who are employed in it and (2) that those who have a similar pattern of interests will be satisfied in that occupation if they have comparible values and the necessary knowledge and abilities.
The emphasis of the Strong is on organizing the information in a way that best helps you develop a general strategy toward approaching educational and career decisions. Keep in mind that the Strong measures interests, not skills or abilities, and that the results can help guide you toward rewarding careers, work activities, educational programs, and leisure activities, all based on your interests.
- Remember there are no right or wrong answers.
- It is best not to think too long about any question; your first response is likely to be most true for you.
- If you cannot decide on a question, skip it.
- If at all possible, make sure you have enough time to complete the questionnaire during one sitting. You may want to allow for 45 minutes, although most complete it in less time when using The Myers-Briggs Company (TMBC) online site.
When you are ready to complete the questionnaire, click on TMBC Assessments link on the left side of this page and follow the instructions you received from your DCA, Inc. facilitator.
