3-D Checklist

This checklist will help you determine if you or your child's cognitive style. It is most accurate for those ages 6 and above.

Check one word/phrase per line that best describes your or your child's most common thought, emotion, or tendency. Be sure to check the answers that most closely reflect who you are, not who you hope to be:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. __moody __friendly __even-keeled
2. __seeking the ideal __accepting what is __making things happen
3. __explosive __controlled and kind __controlled and blunt
4. __original __traditional __tough-minded
5. __reactive __passive __authoritarian
6. __loner __follower __leader
7. __fears failure __helps others succeed __makes success happen
8. __nurtures outsiders __nurtures the mainstream

__

 more productive than
nurturing
9. __bombarded by new ideas __not an idea person __accomplishes ideas
10.__dramatic __pleasant __logical
11.__feels rejected __hides feelings well __ignores rejection
12.__relational __likable __independent
13.__strikes back when hurt __rarely wounds others __rarely feels wounded
14.__feels defeated by own flaws __ tries to correct all personal faults __ feels self-confident
15.__loves deep discussion __loves to chat and visit __loves to take action
16.__disheveled __tidy __organizer
17.__fears being misunderstood __fears displeasing others __fears underachievement
18.__affectionate __gentle __somewhat stiff
19.__scattered __focused on details __ focused on important details only
20.__frequently late __ frustrated with those who are late __only late for a good reason
21.__clever __sensible __powerful
22.__playful __self-conscious __industrious
23.__intriguing __dependable __controlling
24.__stays outside the box __stays inside the box __builds the box
_____Total A ____Total B ____Total C

 

This checklist may be copied for educational or counseling use only. All rights reserved: Dr. Dana Spears, Dreamer Resources.

Scoring the 3-D Checklist (Spears Checklist for Assessing Cognitive Style):
Total the A, B, and C columns. Scores of 18-24 indicate a strong tendency toward that cognitive style.

A: Dreamers - Dreamers are both the most original and emotional of all styles. They fear failure and are apt to quit before they start. Dreamers are idealists who, when bitter, can become cynics. They will never be realists. The deepest need of a dreamer is to be understood. Unfortunately, being rarer than the other two styles, dreamers are actually the most misunderstood. Dreamers hold onto pain and absorb the pain of others. They can be prone to depression, but can also be fun-loving and playful. Dreamers love drama in life and art.Ê They are constantly inventing and creating. Dreamers do not think in a step-by step, linear manner. They generally see the big picture before they see the details. Easily bored, dreamers love new challenges and experiences. Dreamers have so many ideas, they tackle too many projects at once and often finish none of them.

B: Diplomats - Diplomats are popular and likable. Being followers by nature, they are unlikely to confront others. The deepest need of a diplomat is to have peace. Diplomats either help behind the scenes or lead a group by polling the group for opinions in order to reach consensus. They seek approval and praise by determining what others want and doing it. Diplomats are hard on themselves and can be perfectionistic toward others (especially their children). Traditionalists, they are sometimes rigid. When facing a challenge, diplomats push themselves until they can do the details well. They have more difficulty pushing others and prefer that someone else assume positions of authority. Diplomats are sensitive, but usually control their emotions and put on a "good face"

C: Drivers - Drivers enjoy being the boss. Decisive leaders, they become frustrated with others who won't make decisions. Adept at accomplishing goals, they can be over-achievers. The deepest need of a driver is for control over his/her own life and environment. Drivers are naturally confident and enjoy blunt conversation and sarcasm. They are not easily wounded and may wound others without any awareness that someone has been hurt. Drivers get the most accomplished of all cognitive styles and are often trust into positions of authority. They can be suspicious of praise, seeing it as manipulative. As managers, spouses, or parents, drivers may forget to praise others. Being even-keeled except when angry, drivers do not always know how to respond to the emotionality of others who are more sensitive and moody.

When all scores are less than 18, look for the two top scores to see if one of the following combinations is indicated:

Dreamer-Diplomat combinations are called Relators. They are the best at listening to people, and their true opposite is the Driver.

Dreamer-Driver combinations are called Creators. They are the most risk-taking of all types, and their true opposite is the Diplomat.

Driver-Diplomat combinations are called Doers. They are the "busy bees", always on task, and their true opposite is the Dreamer.

Combination types are less predictable, but more adaptable than the 3 classic cognitive styles. Most people have a dominant style and a secondary style. If someone scores almost evenly on all three styles, that person is often uncomfortable with his or her God-given cognitive style and is trying to be all things to all people. In discussions with this type of client, focus on the inner person and inner motivations not outward behavior. Have that person do the checklist again after several counseling sessions to see if a more accurate picture emerges.

All rights reserved. Dr. Dana Spears, Dreamer Resources.

Dr. Dana Spears is the co-author of: Spears and Braund, Strong-Willed Child or Dreamer? Thomas Nelson, 1996.