ABOUT THE LECTICAL SELF UNDERSTANDING ASSESSMENT*

The LSUA is an assessment of self in relationships. It examines how individuals think about the self in a range of relationships, and how these relate to their current self-conception and the self they would like to be.

General information

or adolescents (12+) and adults

The LSUA asks test-takers to write short essays about four self-chosen roles/relationships. It then asks them to discuss their conceptions of their current self and ideal self in light of what they have written about these relationships.

The LSUA can be custiomized by specifying the roles and relationships test-takers will write about. For example, if you are a business consultant or coach, you could ask clients to write about themselves in their roles as leaders, business partners, peers, and employees. Contact us if you are interested in using a customized version of the LERA.

The LSUA must be completed in a single sitting. Please ask clients to set aside at least an hour to complete the assessment. They should also carefully read the assessment instructions before they begin writing to ensure that they receive their best score and don't accidentally lose their work due to a lost internet connection.

List of relationships

Your clients will be asked to choose 4 relationships to discuss, from the following list. You can specify which relationships you would like them to discuss or allow them to choose on their own. If you would like to add relationships to the list, contact us.

Number	aspect
1	self as a son or daughter
2	self as a parent
3	self as a sibling
4	self as a girlfriend/boyfriend
5	self as a friend
6	self as a mate/life partner/spouse
7	self as a learner
8	self as a business partner
9	self as an employee
10	self as a leader
11	self as a coworker or colleague (peer)
12	self as a manager
13	self as collaborator
15	self as a mentor
16	self as mentee

Check it out

You can examine the LSUA by logging on to the DTS site and choosing select an assessment, under the "take an assessment" item in the main menu on the left. You will need to enter information into the starred fields before you will be allowed to move from one page of the assessment to the next. Feel free to cut and paste blocks of random text into the essay fields.

Reliability and validity

The LSUA, like all Lectical Assessments, reliably distinguishes 8–10 adult developmental phases, where each phase represents 1/4 of a developmental level. All Lectical Assessments have very similar levels of reliability, because they are scored with the same developmental assessment system, the LAS.

Lectical assessments address two broad forms of validity: construct validity and ecological validity. First, like all Lectical Assessments, the LSUA is scored with the LAS, which is (1) based on a strong theory of development called Dynamic Skill Theory, and (2) has been submitted to a number of rigorous tests of its ability to capture the developmental construct described in that theory. These tests have shown that the LAS does a very good job capturing this dimension. To view the evidence, see the refereed papers under the articles tab on the articles page and articles by our colleagues on the self-understanding references page.

Second, the ecological validity of the LSUA is apparent in the relevance of (1) its content—its questions are about the self in relationships; (2) the skills required to complete it—skills for perspective-taking, clear thinking, communicating, and self-reflection; and (3) the scores and feedback provided in its reports.

To learn more about reliability and validity, see Dr. Dawson's blog.

Reports

Lectical assessments are distinguished by the accuracy of LAS scores and the quality of our feedback. Before we launch a Lectical Assessment, we carefully review the relevant research literature, then study how the skills and concepts targeted by the assessment develop over time, using a research methodology called developmental maieutics. The approach allows us to describe what targeted skills and concepts "look like" in each developmental phase, and to craft feedback and learning suggestions that are specific to each phase of performance.

In addition to general feedback related to the phase of a given performance, each LSUA report includes personal feedback, including comments on strengths and areas for growth and suggestions for learning and development.

Reports are generally delivered within 5–7 business days. We send an email notification each time an assessment is finalized.

View sample reports.

Resellers

If you are interested in using the LSUA in your business or practice, please contact us for more information.

*We are unable to score this assessment unless you are working with a mentor, teacher, counselor, or physician who is registered with DTS.