What type of assessment might a school counselor choose to analyze student interests and motivations?

Interest inventories are specifically designed to gather information about a student's preferences, likes, and motivations in various areas, particularly related to potential career paths and academic pursuits. These tools often use a series of questions or statements that help identify patterns in a student's interests, thereby providing valuable insights for counselors. This understanding can guide students in making informed decisions about their education and future careers, aligning their choices with their intrinsic motivations and passions.

Other assessment types serve different purposes. For instance, diagnostic tests typically focus on evaluating specific skills or identifying learning disabilities rather than personal interests. Achievement assessments measure knowledge and skills based on predetermined standards, reflecting what a student has learned academically. Behavioral assessments analyze a student’s behavior, possibly in relation to emotional and social conditions, but they do not focus on interests and motivations. Thus, the unique purpose of interest inventories aligns perfectly with the task of analyzing student interests and motivations.