THE INDEPENDENT MIND
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
• The following questionnaire yields a quick
assessment of your current level of independent
thinking. The items provide an overview of what is
involved in thinking for yourself.
• INSTRUCTIONS: Think of how you make decisions
and form opinions, then for each item, using a scale
from 1 to 5, rate how often the statement is true of
you. With '1' being 'rarely like you' and '5' being
'usually like you'. There are no right or wrong
answers. Simply answer the way that best describes
how you usually feel and act.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Openness
__1. I listen.
__2. I consider several points of view.
__3. I accept partial answers.
__4. I seek alternative explanations.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Critical Thinking
__5. I define the core issues.
__6. I am alert for bias.
__7. I resist emotional appeals.
__8. I examine the evidence.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Independence
__9. I clarify my viewpoint.
__10. I rely on my own judgment.
__11. I trust my instincts.
__12. I weigh expert’s advice before
accepting it.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Values
__13. I live by a personal moral code.
__14. I consider what really matters to me.
__15. I tell the truth.
__16. I do what I say I will do.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Responsibility
__17. I am constantly improving myself.
__18. I don’t make excuses when I act
badly.
__19. I examine my motivation.
__20. I weigh consequences.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Assertiveness
__21. I say what I think.
__22. I question what I see and hear.
__23. I take divergent positions.
__24. I speak up when someone is
inappropriate.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Religious Openness
__25. I respect others’ religious beliefs.
__26. I interpret religious edicts for myself.
__27. I explore religious views different
from mine.
__28. I question the views of my religion.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
1 2 3 4 5
Rarely Usually
like me like me
Questioning Authority
__29. I follow my conscience.
__30. I speak up when people in authority do
wrong.
__31. I do what makes sense, not just obey laws.
__32. I am skeptical of what people in authority
say.
How Independent Thinking
Are You?
Scoring: https://www.docpotter.com/thifor-test.html
32—64: Others Think for You
You give into other’s pressures because you don’t know what you want. When you
sort out what matters most to you, you will be stronger. Take time to explore what
really matters to you and how you see things.
65—96: Potential Independent Thinker
You have considerable potential to think independently. Exercise your mental
muscles by deciding your opinion on issues. Begin by gathering diverse information
then weight the pros and cons.
97—128: Promising Independent Thinker
Your critical thinking skills are good. You avoid stereotypes and question experts and
authorities. It’s important to remind yourself to use your analytical skills. Look for
opportunities to practice—everyday.
129—160: Outstanding Independent Thinker
Your ability to think for yourself is outstanding. You are good at seeing bamboozles
and avoidng them. Be careful not to become complacent by being alert to your
unquestioned assumptions.
Copyright 2001: Beverly Potter. This Survey may be copied for individual use. Any
other use requires written permission from Beverly Potter. [email protected]
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
Activity
Assignment 2A: Write your ratings and explanations on short bond
paper and submit to our Google Classroom or to
[email protected] THE INDEPENDENT MIND
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
• Has an internal locus of control*
• Is interested in being perceived as
unique; prefers acting in unique ways
• Desires to work with a high degree of
independence
• Prefers tasks and situations with little
formal structure
• Believes in one’s capability to
successfully achieve goals
* View this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCa_CAAld5A
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
• Is inclined to decide for him/herself
what to believe and do rather than
simply accept things because others say
they should;
• Doesn’t necessarily mean that your
opinions are always different from
others and that you never consult with
other people; it means simply that you
hold opinions because they make sense
to you;
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
• Is not afraid of having a different
opinion but doesn’t simply pick an
opposing view just to be different;
• Is typically willing to stand up publicly
for what they believe.
THE INDEPENDENT MIND
Assignment 2B: Search for ways to develop an independent mindset;
then, choose 3 from among them and explain how you will apply them
in your own life; together with Assignment 2A, submit to our Google
Classroom or to
[email protected]Filename format: CodeNo.surname.independent
e.g., 1356.delacruz.independent
