What Do Interest Inventories Measure? The Convergence and Content Validity of Four RIASEC Inventories

Despite the widespread use of RIASEC interest inventories, little is known about whether these inventories actually measure same core constructs and provide similar career recommendations to individuals. This study investigates construct validity among four major inventories—the Self-Directed Search (SDS), O*NET Interest Profiler (IP), ACT Inventory (UNIACT), Strong (SII). Results showed that scores from were highly correlated, but measures often gave respondents different high-point codes. Item content analysis revealed basic interests reflected in each scale both overlapped diverged across providing an explanation for why are not interchangeable. We integrate findings our analyses offer cautionary notes choosing established interpreting results. Furthermore, we also constructing next generation inventories.