Which instrument, introduced in 1927, was one of the first major vocational interest inventories and remains widely used in revised form?

• A. Strong Vocational Interest Blank
• B. Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
• C. Kuder Preference Record
• D. Aptitude Test Battery

Answer: (A)

Standardized vocational interest assessment changed how counselors guide people by focusing on what they enjoy or are drawn to rather than solely on abilities or personality traits. In 1927, E. K. Strong Jr. introduced the Strong Vocational Interest Blank, one of the first major instruments to measure vocational interests in a systematic way. It asked about preferences across occupations, activities, and fields, and then compared an individual’s interests to those typical of various careers. This comparison helped counselors match people to occupations that fit their interests, a major shift toward data-informed guidance.

Over time, this instrument was revised and expanded, and the form most widely used today is the Strong Interest Inventory. The continued use in revised form shows how foundational it was for turning interest data into practical career planning in education and counseling.

The other options measure different things or came from different aims. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory focuses on personality and mental health symptoms rather than career interests. The Kuder Preference Record is another early interest measure but did not originate in 1927 the way Strong did. The Aptitude Test Battery assesses abilities and potential rather than interests.