Interactive versus Ipsative Measurement of Career Interest

Measurement of interests via the self-report type of inventory takes either of two forms—the interactive or “free-response” variety, or the ipsative or “forced-choice” variety. There are many differences between the two forms but little empirical evidence concerning the validity of one as compared to the other. This study is an investigation of the difference in concurrent validity between an interactive and an ipsative form of a short career preference inventory for college males, using several of the scales on the Strong Vocational Interest Blank as criteria. The results indicate that despite the theoretical and practical differences in the two forms, neither holds any substantial advantage in statistical validity.