Surveys
The Compass Survey of Core Human Attributes
These free surveys for youth and adults help you identify, understand, and strengthen core internal abilities that help people thrive. Together, these abilities work like a compass, helping individuals pilot meaningful, productive, and fulfilling lives.
Surveys were created by Marilyn Price-Mitchell, PhD, developmental psychologist, researcher, and fellow at the Institute for Social Innovation, Fielding Graduate University, following a decade of research in positive youth and adult development. Upon completion, each participant receives personalized scores, including guidance on how to interpret and apply the information. Individual data is always private and confidential. By participating, you also contribute to collective research in the fields of youth and adult development. Please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Several surveys are available for research purposes to schools, nonprofits, and researchers. See the information below.
CHOOSE A SURVEY: CLICK AN ARROW TO BEGIN
Youth Survey
The Compass Survey for Youth Ages 10-17 is a tool by which you can become more aware of your internal attributes—core abilities that help you thrive in school and life. When identified and understood, you can learn to use your strongest attributes to engage and grow the abilities you use less often. Results can also help you identify potential adult mentors that can support your positive development. Learn More. (This free survey takes about 13 minutes to complete.)
Adult Survey
The Compass Survey for Adults is a tool by which you can become more aware of your internal attributes—core abilities that help adults thrive in careers, as parents, and throughout life. Because these abilities grow and mature at all ages, it is never too late to use your strongest attributes to engage and grow the abilities you use less often. When identified and understood, you can also nurture these abilities more effectively in children and young adults. Learn More. (This free survey for adults 18 or over takes about 13 minutes to complete.)
Family Survey for Youth Ages 10-17
The Compass Survey for Families with Youth Ages 10-17 is a tool by which parents, grandparents, and guardians can become more aware of their preteen and teen’s internal attributes. When identified and understood, adults can help young people learn to use their strongest attributes to engage and grow the abilities they use less often. Adults who complete this survey can invite their children ages 10-17 to complete the Youth Survey, then follow guidelines in our materials to discuss differences and similarities perceived by them and their child. Learn More. (This free survey takes about 13 minutes to complete for each child.)
Family Survey for Children Ages 5-9
The Compass Survey for Families with Children Ages 5-9 is a tool by which parents, grandparents, and guardians can become more aware of your younger children’s internal attributes. Understanding a child’s core strengths in earlier years can help adults more intentionally nurture the abilities that help children thrive. Learn More. (This free survey takes about 10 minutes to complete for each child.)
Surveys for Schools, Nonprofits, and Researchers
Several of our surveys are available for research purposes to groups at reasonable costs. The group Youth Survey provides the same free personalized report to each participant as described above. In addition, teachers and researchers can identify the collective core abilities of groups of young people ages 10-17. Are you wanting to measure changes in groups over time, e.g. following a school year or program experience? Group surveys accomplish this goal. The Adult Survey is also available for groups. Our administrative fees vary depending on the size and complexity of your project. Learn More.
Comments from Compass Survey Takers
Feedback about our surveys are provided anonymously by those who take them. We don’t know people’s names, only what they offer in their feedback. Below are representative comments from those who have taken one of our Compass Surveys:
“This survey was very accurate and enlightening. The accompanying manual is extremely informative and helpful and actually made me feel much more hopeful about myself and my personal possibilities.” — Adult
“The Compass is exactly that…a helpful tool to assist anyone to stay the course and evaluate where you are in the process. I’ve used several different programs in my work experience, and this is among the best.” — Adult
“Thank you for the insights and results. It gave me a better understanding of my child.” — Parent
“Knowledge is power. You will likely learn a lot about yourself, your own internal strengths and how to grow these strengths. For me, doing this survey was interesting and very thought-provoking.” — Adult
“The results go really in-depth and explain everything very clearly. They tell you in a way that you understand completely and are not confused like other websites tell your results.” — Adult
“This survey showed me how far I’ve grown since the abuses I suffered as a teenager and makes me proud that I overcame them.” — Adult
“I am a self aware empathetic person with strong intuition and a strong moral compass. I am very pleased the results of this survey reflect who I think I am. Thank you!” — Adult
“This survey put me in a place of clearer understanding of what I perceive as my skills in certain areas. Even helped me better understand how to improve in areas in which I was ‘slacking.'” — Adult
“I love this resource! I’ve worked a lot on my own social-emotional health in order to lead students in this area, but for those who haven’t interacted with it much, I think it’s really eye-opening and helpful to see where your strengths lie.” — Teacher
“The survey gives you a good indication of who you are, especially if you’ve experienced a life changing event that’s left you not knowing who you are!” — Adult
“The survey serves as a good mirror for self-reflection.” — Adult
“I found the Compass survey to accurately reflect me!” — Adult
“It required me to look closely and honestly at my own inner workings.”– Adult
“I already have shared with fellow educators and administrators. Reflective practice is fun and always healthy to question our inner compass.” — Teacher
“Naming the ‘compass points’ is interesting and wonderful in itself. The survey was surprisingly brief for gathering so much info, and it got me to reflect and be more aware.” — Adult
“Very brain-friendly graphics and presentation. Important work!” — Teacher
“This was a great resource! It helped us have a meaningful conversation with our teenage son and we feel more confident in knowing how to support him.” –Parent
For More Information
- Read about the Family Surveys — taken by parents, grandparents, and guardians with a specific child in mind.
- Read about the Adult Survey for ages 18 and over.
- Read about the Youth Survey for young people ages 10-17.
- Learn about group surveys for schools, nonprofits, and researchers.
- Learn more about The Compass Advantage — the cornerstone framework for our research at Roots of Action.
