Character Index

In the previous chapter, you were introduced to many scales to measure virtues. In this chapter, we provide you with a shortened, single index that assesses 12 different virtues at once. Thus, instead of one scale per virtue, this chapter offers just one scale to quickly measure character in a streamlined manner. We call this singular scale the “Character Index.”

For detailed information about the creation of the Character Index, please see Appendix.

Purpose, Strengths, and Limitations

The purpose of using this Character Index instead of multiple separate virtue scales is to give people a concise path toward self-reflection that does not involve excessive questions or calculations. The strength of the Character Index is that it requires less time (i.e., it is quicker), energy (i.e., cognitive effort), and math (i.e., fewer calculations). The limitation of the Character Index is that it will only provide a small snapshot of a virtue, whereas a full scale will provide a broader, more reliable picture.

How to Use the Index

Respondents should read the instructions and then rate their level of agreement with each of the 16 statements in Table 1 on a scale from 1 to 10. Then, whoever is scoring the index (may or may not be the same person who took the index) can follow the scoring instructions for calculating individual and group scores.

Instructions

Please rate your level of agreement with each of the following statements on a scale from 1 (not at all like me) to 10 (exactly like me). You can type/write your answer in the “Score” column. This index gives you information about yourself, so there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. We value your honest opinion. If you are unsure, select the option that best represents your view. Please respond to each statement.

1 = not at all like me       2           3           4           5           6           7           8         9        10 = exactly like me

Table 12.1. Character Index

You can find present moment assessment and retrospective post-then-pre test versions of the Character Index at the links below:

• Present Moment Character Index
• Retrospective Post-then-Pre Test Character Index

Scoring and Interpretation

Below are two options for scoring and interpretation. Option 1 allows you to calculate a total character score for both individuals and your group. Option 2 allows you to calculate which virtues are strengths (i.e., highest levels) and which are growth areas (i.e., lowest levels) for your group.

Option 1: Total Character Score

Use this option if you want to answer the question: Overall, how is my group doing with regard to virtues?

Step 1: Calculate an Average Score for Each Respondent

• Sum: Add up all the individual 16 scores in the “Score” column.
• Average: Divide that sum by 16.
• You now have each respondent’s Character Index Score.

Step 2: Calculate an Average Score for the Group

• Sum: Add up all of your respondents’ Character Index Scores from Step 1.
• Average: Divide that sum by the number of respondents (i.e., if 20 people take the Character Index, then divide the sum above by 20).
• You now have an average character score for your group as a whole.

Step 3: Interpret Your Scores

• Average scores (both for individuals and for your group) provide a summary of the level of agreement with the statements above (i.e., how much people are enacting virtues).
• Use the following ranges below to interpret how individuals/groups are doing with regard to virtues overall.
  • 0 to 4.0: Overall, the respondent/group is low in most virtues.
  • 1 to 7.9: Overall, the respondent/group is high in some and low in other virtues.
  • 0 to 10.0: Overall, the respondent/group is high in most virtues.

Option 2: Specific Strengths and Growth Areas

Use this option if you want to answer the question: For our group, which specific virtues are strongest, and which particular virtues are weakest?

Step 1: Calculate an Average Score for Each Statement

• Sum: Add up all the scores in the “Score” column for statement 1 (i.e., if there are four respondents, and their respective scores for statement 1 were 8, 6, 8, and 10, then the sum for statement 1 would be 32).
• Average: Divide that sum by the number of respondents (i.e., if there are four respondents, and 32 divided by 4 equals 8, then the average for statement 1 is 8).
• Repeat this process for each of the 16 statements.

Step 2: Match Statements to Virtues

• Use Table 12.2 to identify and label each statement with its corresponding virtue.

Table 12.2. Character Index Virtue Key

Step 3: Interpret Your Scores

• Average scores for individual virtues summarize how much the group is enacting those virtues (i.e., which are strengths and which are growth areas).
• Use the following ranges below to interpret how the group is doing for individual virtues.
  • 0 to 4.0: Very Weak
  • 1 to 6.0: Moderate
  • 1 to 8.0: Strong
  • 1 to 10.0: Very Strong

Pro-Tip: Keep a record of scores with dates to track the development of your respondents and group over time.

Conclusion

This Character Index is a quick, streamlined tool to help you grapple with the following questions: (1) Overall, how is my group doing with regard to virtues? (Total Character Score) and (2) For our group, which specific virtues are strongest, and which specific virtues are weakest? (Specific Strengths and Growth Areas).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES