Which of the following is NOT one of the eight tools for defining target publics?

The identification of target publics in public relations involves utilizing specific categories or tools that help segment and understand different audiences. The eight recognized tools for defining target publics typically include geographics, psychographics, demographics, and others that assess attributes such as behaviors and attitudes.

Geographics refers to the locations and physical characteristics of a population, which help identify where target audiences are situated. Psychographics delves into the lifestyles, values, and personality traits of individuals, providing deeper insight into how they think and what motivates them. Membership, on the other hand, often relates to the specific associations or groups an individual belongs to, which can be critical for understanding their perspectives and aligning communication strategies effectively.

Personal interests, while important in understanding individual motivations and preferences, do not constitute a standardized tool used in the same structured way as geographics or psychographics for defining target publics. They are more specific and nuanced, often falling under the broader categories of psychographics but not standing alone as a distinct category by itself in the traditional frameworks utilized in public relations planning and execution. This makes personal interests the option that does not fit within the established eight tools for identifying and analyzing target publics.