The development of one instrument from a multi-method battery to assess exploration preferences, a questionnaire of individual preferences, is described. The objectives of the study in which it was employed and the concept of exploration are briefly outlined. Over 1000 questionnaire items relevant to high school students' social desirability were initially developed. Based on an item analysis, 153 items were selected to form the first version of the questionnaire. Extensive validity and reliability studies were conducted and three revisions were made on the basis of further item analyses. The questionnaire was administered to eighth, ninth, and eleventh graders to obtain standardization information. The present and final form consists of two 30-item parallel forms, matched for content and psychometric properties. The items cover a wide range of preferences from social participation to risk taking and change activities, and are grouped into four content categories labeled self, classes, adults, and jobs. Results of different studies confirm the validity and reliability of the instrument. They also indicate that the questionnaire has high discriminating power among individuals in the suburban schools, but less so in urban schools. (LR)