Which statement distinguishes aptitude, achievement, and personality assessments in career counseling?

• A. Aptitude tests measure knowledge.
• B. Aptitude measures potential; achievement tests measure knowledge; personality inventories measure traits.
• C. Achievement tests measure potential.
• D. Personality inventories measure intelligence.

Answer: (B)

Understanding how these tests function helps in guiding career planning: aptitude tests look at potential for future learning and performance in specific areas, achievement tests assess what a person has already learned, and personality inventories gauge stable traits that influence work behavior. The statement that ties these together is correct: aptitude measures potential, achievement measures knowledge, and personality inventories measure traits. The other options mischaracterize one or more of these instruments: aptitude is not about measuring knowledge, achievement is not about potential, and personality inventories are not measures of intelligence.