What is a forced-choice activity considered to be?

A forced-choice activity is considered an informal assessment instrument because it typically involves participants making selections between two or more options based on their preferences, values, or interests. This process does not usually have the structured or standardized characteristics of formal assessment instruments, which are designed to be psychometrically validated and administered in a consistent manner.

In a forced-choice activity, the aim is often to gather insights into an individual’s priorities or inclinations in a more natural and less rigorous context. Such activities provide valuable information but are not as scientifically validated as formal assessments, allowing for a more flexible and personal approach to understanding an individual's career preferences or personal values.

While formal assessments are designed to be comprehensive and objective, informal assessments like forced-choice activities engage individuals in a way that is more casual and can reveal subjective insights. These insights can still be very useful in guiding individuals in their career planning and development, just as long as they are understood within the context of their informal nature.