Short Answer: The Strong Interest Inventory measures individual interest using different scales.

Using an extensive database built on reams of research that was thoroughly constructed since 1920’s, the Strong Interest Inventory® helps measure different areas of individual interest through a series of questions. The questionnaires use the Likert Scale, ranging from Strongly Like to Strong Dislike, to demonstrate the level of interest of the test takers in a broad scope of activities, tasks, subject areas, occupations, leisure activities as well as their characteristics.

Results are divided into five sections: General Occupational Themes, Basic Interest Scales, Occupational Scales, Personal Style Scales, and Administrative Indicators. Each section postulates specific feedback that can guide individuals into their pursuits of satisfying careers, academic programs, and leisure activities—all centered on individual interests.

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What Does Each Scale Measure?

1. General Occupational Themes (GOTs)

What it Measures: The The General Occupational Themes (GOTs) gauge patterns of interests that mirror the fundamental aspects of your personality—your core identity and values—what drives you and what matters most to you in life. The GOTs encompass six primary themes based on John Hollands RIASEC Hexagon Model or the Holland Codes— Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional (RIASEC). Each person may exhibit one to three theme codes.

• Realistic Theme
• Investigative Theme
• Artistic Theme
• Social Theme
• Enterprising Theme
• Conventional Theme

The GOT offers insights into the types of work settings and tasks that are satisfying for individuals taking tests by assessing their inclinations in these six theme codes. By understanding where their interests lie among these categories the examiners can identify the professions that match their personality and preferences. For instance if you scored highest in the category you might find joy in roles within creative fields such, as writing performing arts or graphic design. If you performed well in the theme section of the assessment test you took earlier on; it might be worth looking into career opportunities in fields such, as finance data management or administrative work.

2. Basic Interest Scales (BISs)

The Basic Interest Scales (BIS) delve into your preferences on a deeper level compared to the General Occupational Themes (GOT). While the GOT offers a perspective of your interests the BIS segments them into more detailed categories that mirror your distinct interest profile.

There are 30 Basic Interest Scales in the Strong Interest Inventory Profile and 32 Basic Interest Scales in the Strong 244 Career Satisfaction Edition. For instance, Basic Interest Scales related to arts or music may fall under the Artistic category; while those associated with outdoor work or mechanical activities could be grouped under the Realistic theme alongside scales pertaining to sports and physical activities.

Examples of BISs:

• Mechanics & Construction (Realistic Theme)
• Science (Investigative Theme)
• Visual Arts & Design (Artistic Theme)
• Counseling & Helping  (Social Theme)
• Marketing & Advertising (Enterprising Theme)
• Office Management (Conventional Theme)

BISs provide more detailed guidance about specific careers or hobbies that appeal to the individual based not only on their likes but also on the things they dislike. With the insight from the BIS, you not only have an understanding of which specific career you want to explore, but you will also have an idea of which industry and field of study you should consider. For example, if you scored Very High in Law and High in Finance & Investing and Enterprising, you could pursue Corporate Law but Low in Finance & Investing and Enterprising, but if you scored High in Protective Service, Criminal Law might be a better option.

3. Occupational Scales (OSs)

The Occupational Scales (OS) unlike the General Occupational Themes (GOT) and Basic Interest Scales (BIS) measure interests in a personalized and specific manner by comparing your interest patterns with those who are of the same gender as you and are known to happy and successful in specific careers The OS includes 130 job categories in the standard Strong Interest Inventory Profile and 243, in the Strong 244 Career Satisfaction Report.

Each Occupational Scale represents a distinct career path or role, and your scores on these scales reflect the degree to which your interests align with those already working in those occupations.

Examples of OSs:

Software Developer:  Successful software developers often find happiness, in tackling problem-solving and puzzles while engaging with technology and writing code to create solutions.
Marketing Manager:  These are individual who share the passions of marketing professionals – encompassing creativity, strategic acumen, and effective communication skills.

The OSs can be compared to a professional “Bumble” app in which you can use your interests to match with jobs that your interests align with those of others who are currently successful in that profession. A high score on a particular Occupational Scale suggests that you might find satisfaction and success in that career, as your interests are similar to those of people already thriving in that field. This makes the OSs an excellent tool for exploring new career options, validating current career choices, or considering career changes. Additionally, the TOP Strong OS Occupations are hyperlink to the O*NET database that can help you gain more insights about the job descriptions.

4. Personal Style Scales (PSSs)

Personal Style Scales (PSSs) is a very straightforward section of the Strong Interest Inventory result. There is no high or low-scoring system. This section offers an assessment of your preferences in the workplace and your approach to work-life without using a high or low-scoring system. It assesses aspects of your personality that influence how you interact with others, how you like to work, and what conditions help you thrive professionally. Your result can be on the right side or left side of the spectrum or can fall into midrange.

The Personal Style Scales often cover five sections:

• Work Style
• Learning Style
• Leadership Style
• Risk-Taking
• Team-Orientation

Knowing how your Personal Style Scales results can influence how content you are with your job and how productive you feel is crucial for career success and happiness at work. For example; if you enjoy working on your own and prefer independence in your tasks at work but find yourself in a job that demands collaboration with others all the time might leave you feeling frustrated or exhausted. On the side; if you thrive in an environment where teamwork is encouraged and flourish through interactions, with colleagues seeking roles that allow for cooperative projects and communication will most likely bring you more fulfillment in your career journey. Using Personal Style Scales can also help with self-awareness and personal growth. You can use your understanding of your inclinations to make better decisions, about your career direction and select work settings that match your preference. This can help you come up with ways to improve your life as well.