Appendix B

Noncognitive Background Items

PROGRAM FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSESSMENT 

2012 (PISA:2012) VALIDATION STUDY 2015 FIELD TEST AND 

MAIN STUDY

OMB # 1850-0900 v.2

December 8, 2014

CONTENTS

Noncognitive Background Items: Confidentiality and OMB statements................................................... 1

Noncognitive Background Items: Career Interest and Intentionality (CII) ...............................................1

Noncognitive Background Items: Core Background Questionnaire ......................................................... 5

Noncognitive Background Items: Behavioral Performance Competencies (BPC) ....................................6

Noncognitive Background Items: Additional Proposed Background Questions.....................................13
1

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NCES is authorized to conduct this study under the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 

20 U.S.C., § 9543). Your participation is voluntary and the information you provide may be used only for 

statistical purposes and may not be disclosed or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except 

as required by law (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C., § 9573). Individual responses will be combined with those 

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comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this form, write directly to: 

Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. 

Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

OMB No. 1850-0900, Approval Expires xx/xx/2017.

ESO Noncognitive Battery - Career Interest and Intentionality (CII)

Question Description

(101) CII_01 Which of the following best describes your current employment status?

STEM: CII_02-61

This inventory contains a list of activities to help you explore your vocational 

interests. Please indicate how much you would like to do each activity by clicking on 

the response that most closely represents how you feel about it.

(102) CII_02 Build kitchen cabinets

(112) CII_12 Develop a new medicine

(122) CII_22 Write books or plays

(132) CII_32 Teach an individual an exercise routine

(142) CII_42 Buy and sell stocks and bonds

(152) CII_52 Develop a spreadsheet using computer software

(103) CII_03 Lay brick or tile

(113) CII_13 Study ways to reduce water pollution

(123) CII_23 Play a musical instrument

(133) CII_33 Help people with personal or emotional problems

(143) CII_43 Manage a retail store

(153) CII_53 Proofread records or forms

(104) CII_04 Repair household appliances

(114) CII_14 Conduct chemical experiments

(124) CII_24 Compose or arrange music

(134) CII_34 Give career guidance to people

(144) CII_44 Operate a beauty salon or barber shop

(154) CII_54 Load computer software into a large computer network

(105) CII_05 Raise fish in a fish hatchery
2

(115) CII_15 Study the movement of planets

(125) CII_25 Draw pictures

STEM: CII_02-61 -

continued

(135) CII_35 Perform rehabilitation therapy

(145) CII_45 Manage a department within a large company

(155) CII_55 Operate a calculator

(106) CII_06 Assemble electronic parts

(116) CII_16 Examine blood samples using a microscope

(126) CII_26 Create special effects for movies

(136) CII_36 Do volunteer work at a non-profit organization

(146) CII_46 Start your own business

(156) CII_56 Keep shipping and receiving records

(107) CII_07 Drive a truck to deliver packages to offices and homes

(117) CII_17 Investigate the cause of a fire

(127) CII_27 Paint sets for plays

(137) CII_37 Teach children how to play sports

(147) CII_47 Negotiate business contracts

(157) CII_57 Calculate the wages of employees

(108) CII_08 Test the quality of parts before shipment

(118) CII_18 Develop a way to better predict the weather

(128) CII_28 Write scripts for movies or television shows

(138) CII_38 Teach sign language to people with hearing disabilities

(148) CII_48 Represent a client in a lawsuit

(158) CII_58 Inventory supplies using a hand-held computer

(109) CII_09 Repair and install locks

(119) CII_19 Work in a biology lab

(129) CII_29 Perform jazz or tap dance

(139) CII_39 Help conduct a group therapy session

(149) CII_49 Market a new line of clothing

(159) CII_59 Record rent payments

(110) CII_10 Set up and operate machines to make products

(120) CII_20 Invent a replacement for sugar

(130) CII_30 Sing in a band

STEM: CII_02-61 -

continued

(140) CII_40 Take care of children at a day-care center

(150) CII_50 Sell merchandise at a department store

(160) CII_60 Keep inventory records

(111) CII_11 Put out forest fires

(121) CII_21 Do laboratory tests to identify diseases

(131) CII_31 Edit movies

(141) CII_41 Teach a high-school class

(151) CII_51 Manage a clothing store

(161) CII_61 Stamp, sort, and distribute mail for an organization

STEM: CII_62-69 The following questions ask about your thoughts about getting a new job. Please 

indicate to what extent you agree or disagree to the following statements.

(162) CII_62 I intend to get a new job within the next year.

(163) CII_63 I will try to get a new job within the next year.

(164) CII_64 It would be good for me to get a new job within the next year.
3

(165) CII_65 Getting a new job within the next year would be beneficial to me.

(166) CII_66 Most people who are important to me think I should get a new job within the next 

year.

(167) CII_67 It is expected of me that I get a new job within the next year.

(168) CII_68 It is mostly up to me whether I get a new job within the next year.

(169) CII_69 If I want to, I can get a new job within the next year.

STEM: CII_70-77

The following questions ask about your thoughts about seeking additional job 

training. Please indicate to what extent you agree or disagree to the following 

statements

(170) CII_70 I intend to seek additional job training within the next year.

(171) CII_71 I will try to seek additional job training within the next year.

(172) CII_72 It would be good for me to seek additional job training within the next year.

(173) CII_73 Seeking additional job training within the next year would be beneficial to me.

(174) CII_74 Most people who are important to me think I should seek additional job training 

within the next year.

(175) CII_75 It is expected of me that I seek additional job training within the next year.

(176) CII_76 It is mostly up to me whether I seek additional job training within the next year.

(177) CII_77 If I want to, I can seek additional job training within the next year.

STEM: CII_78-87 In the four weeks ending last Sunday, did you do any of these things ...

(178) CII_78 get in contact with a public employment office to find work?

(179) CII_79 get in contact with a private agency (temporary work agency, firm specializing in 

recruitment, etc.) to find work?

(180) CII_80 apply to employers directly?

(181) CII_81 ask among friends, relatives, unions, etc. to find work?

(182) CII_82 place or answer job advertisements?

(183) CII_83 study job advertisements?

(184) CII_84 take a recruitment test or examination or undergo an interview?

(185) CII_85 look for land, premises, or equipment for work?

(186) CII_86 apply for permits, licenses, or financial resources for work?

STEM: CII_78-87 -

continued

(187) CII_87 do anything else to find work? 

(188) CII_88 If a job had been available in the week ending last Sunday, would you have been able 

to start within 2 weeks?

(189) CII_89 All things considered, how satisfied are you with your current job? Would you say 

you are ...

(190) CII_90

What occupation do you plan on pursuing? Please select a broad occupation 

category on this page and select more specific occupation groups and job titles on 

the following pages. 

Occupation: List of 10 major groups (Managers through Armed Forces)

Managers List2 Managers Subcategories

Professionals List2 Professionals Subcategories (6)

Professionals - Business _ 

Administration List2

Professionals - Health 

List2

Professionals - ICT List2

Professionals - LegalSocial_ Cultural List2

Professionals - Science _ 

Engineering List2
4

Professionals - Teaching 

List2

Technicians _ Associates 

List2 Technicians and Associate Professionals Subcategories (5)

Technicians _ Associates -

ICT List2

Technicians _ Associates -

Health List2

Tech _ Assoc - Science _ 

Engineering List2

(190) CII_90 - continued

Tech _ Assoc - Legal Social 

Cultural List2

Tech _ Assoc - Business _ 

Admin List2

Clerical Support Workers 

List2 Clerical Support Workers Subcategories

) Services _ Sales Workers 

List2 Services and Sales Workers Subcategories

Skilled Ag-Forestry_ Fish 

Workers List2 Skilled Agricultural, Forestry, and Fishery Workers Subcategories

Crafts _ Related Trades 

Workers List2 Craft & Related Trades Workers Subcategories (5)

Crafts _ Rel Trades 

Workers - Building _ Rel 

List2

Crafts _ Rel Trades 

Workers - Elec _ Elec List2

Crafts _ Rel Trades 

Workers - Food WW 

OtherList2

Crafts _ Rel Trades 

Workers - Hand Print List2

Crafts _ Rel Trades 

Workers - Met Mac Rel 

List2

Plant _ Machine 

Operators _ Assemblers 

List2

Elementary Occupations 

List2

Armed Forces 

Occupations List2

CII_91 Are you planning on going to a further training, development, or educational 

program?

CII_92 What type of training, development, or educational program do you plan on 

attending? 

CII_93 In what field of education will you attend a training, development, or educational 

program?

End Survey
5

SO Noncognitive Battery - Core Background Questionnaire

Item Item Text

Item 

Directions 

Text

Routing 

Rules Response Options Concept/Construct

bq_q1 How old are you? 

(years old)

Use the 

number keys 

to type your 

answer.

Open-ended item Age

bq_q2 Are you female or 

male?

Click on your 

answer.

Female//Male Gender

bq_q3

What is the 

highest level of 

education you 

have completed?

Click on your 

answer.

No education // Primary education // 

Secondary education without a 

diploma // Secondary Education (i.e., 

High School diploma, GED or 

equivalent) // Some Post-Secondary 

Education (including community, 

technical or vocational) // 4 year 

College or University degree//Beyond a 

College or University degree

Education

bq_q4 Were you born in 

[country]? Yes//No Country of Origin

bq_q5

In what year did 

you first come to 

live in [country]?

Use the pulldown menu 

to select 

your 

answer.

If No (2) to 

bq_q4

Drop-down options: Before 1970// 

1971-2013 (individual year options)// 

After 2013

Country of 

Origin

bq_q6

What is the 

language that you 

first learned at 

home in childhood 

and still 

understand?

Click on your 

answer.

[national language 1]//[national 

language 2, if applicable]//[other 

common language in your 

country]//Other

Language 

First 

Learned

bq_q7 Enter your native 

language:

If Other (4) 

to bq_q6

Open-ended item. Note, even though 

this item is on the same screen as 

bq_q6, the response in the text box 

should be coded as bq_q7.

Language 

First 

Learned 

"Other"

bq_q8

Which of the 

following best 

describes your 

current 

employment 

status?

Click on your 

answer.

Full-time employed (including selfemployed)//Part-time employed 

(including selfemployed)//Unemployed (not 

employed and looking for 

work)//Unemployed and not looking 

for work (e.g., student, retired, 

homemaker or permanently 

disabled)//Apprentice, intern//Other

Employme

nt Status
6

bq_q9

What is your 

current 

occupation (or 

intended 

occupation if 

currently 

unemployed)? 

Please select a 

broad occupation 

category on this 

screen and more 

specific 

occupation groups 

and job titles on 

the following 

screens.

If answered 

full-time (1), 

part-time 

(2), or 

Unemploye

d and 

looking for 

work (3) to 

bq_q5

SEE Worksheet: ISCO-08 structure 

ENg09 for US-English version text. PDF 

document includes mock-up of screens 

to illustrate screen 

contents/sequencing.

Current 

Occupation

ESO Noncognitive Battery - Behavioral Performance Competencies (BPC)

Item # Concept/Construct Item

Personality Facets

<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that is more like 

you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements describe you 

particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer and choose 

the one that is more like you. 

BPC_01a Order 06 _____1A. I feel comfortable even in very disorganized settings.

BPC_01b Achievement 53 _____1B. I don't necessarily seek difficult assignments, but, when given, I do 

them pretty well.

BPC_02a Well Being 42 _____2A. Most people would say I am one of the happiest people they have 

ever met.

BPC_02b Self Control 28 _____2B. I rarely jump into something without thinking about it first.

BPC_03a Self Control 29 _____3A. Even under time pressure, I would rather take my time to think 

about my answer to a question than to say the first thing that comes to mind.

BPC_03b Self Control 16

_____3B. I am not one of those people who has to do everything perfectly, 

but I rarely turn in work having silly mistakes, such as spelling errors or missing 

words.

BPC_04a Well Being 10 _____4A. I tend to blame myself when things go wrong.

BPC_04b Well Being 35 _____4B. I am pretty happy with my life.

BPC_05a Responsibility 23 _____5A. If I am running late, I try to call ahead to notify those who are 

waiting for me.

BPC_05b Sociability 31 _____5B. I'll talk to anyone.

BPC_06a Curiosity 28 _____6A. I have a constant desire to learn more.

BPC_06b Cooperation 101 _____6B. Others have said I am pleasant to be with.

BPC_07a Generosity 35 _____7A. I would help others as long as I had the free time and ability to do 

so.

BPC_07b Ingenuity 21 _____7B. I prefer to work with existing ideas, but sometimes I can come up 

with new ones of my own.

BPC_08a Cooperation 151 _____8A. I try to be polite to everyone.

BPC_08b Generosity 49 _____8B. I would gladly spend some of my leisure time trying to improve my 

community.

BPC_09a Cooperation 27 _____9A. I'm nice to others even when I don't have to be.

BPC_09b Well Being 39 _____9B. On most days, I feel extremely good about myself.
7

BPC_10a Adjustment 77 _____10A. I'm so relaxed about things that others sometimes think I don't 

care.

BPC_10b Achievement 41 _____10B. I have to be very sick to miss a day of work or not to complete a 

task on time.

BPC_11a Generosity 19 _____11A. I sometimes put the needs of my close friends in front of my own, 

but I generally don't do that for others.

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_11b Adjustment 37 _____11B. Criticism bothers me no more or less than it bothers anyone else.

BPC_12a Curiosity 25 _____12A. I like to analyze things instead of taking them at face value.

BPC_12b Adjustment 26 _____12B. I tend not to look back on mistakes I've made; I just move on.

BPC_13a Intellectual 

Efficiency 41 _____13A. I grasp scientific theories easily.

BPC_13b Intellectual 

Efficiency 20 _____13B. I learn things better by doing them than by reading about them.

BPC_14a Ingenuity 60 _____14A. I struggle when I have to contribute something original.

BPC_14b Cooperation 39 _____14B. I can be nice, but only to people who I know well and have come 

to trust.

BPC_15a Ingenuity 88 _____15A. I've won awards for being creative.

BPC_15b Sociability 41 _____15B. Most of the time, I can think of something to say even to complete 

strangers.

BPC_16a Achievement 52 _____16A. I tend to set goals that are challenging, but still reachable.

BPC_16b Intellectual 

Efficiency 20 _____16B. I learn things better by doing them than by reading about them.

BPC_17a Self Control 32 _____17A. I don't get distracted easily.

BPC_17b Dominance 23 _____17B. If given a chance, I'd make a good leader.

BPC_18a Cooperation 151 _____18A. I try to be polite to everyone.

BPC_18b Cooperation 19 _____18B. I tend not to trust people until I know them well.

BPC_19a Curiosity 41 _____19A. I wouldn't attend lectures or training courses just for fun. 

BPC_19b Curiosity 34 _____19B. I am interested in learning about almost everything.

BPC_20a Ingenuity 115 _____20A. My creative talents would be best described as average.

BPC_20b Order 41 _____20B. Keeping things organized does not come naturally to me, but I try 

anyway.

BPC_21a Well Being 18 _____21A. At times, I get really down on myself for making mistakes, but I get 

over it quickly.

BPC_21b Responsibility 46 _____21B. I would readily accept my share of responsibility for mistakes at 

work, but I wouldn’t take the blame for others.

BPC_22a Intellectual 

Efficiency 34 _____22A. I can hold a meaningful conversation on just about any topic.

BPC_22b Generosity 29 _____22B. When my friends are low on cash, I have no problem with lending 

them money.

Item # Concept/Construct Item

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_23a Intellectual 

Efficiency 37 _____23A. I am very quick at processing information.
8

BPC_23b Self Control 23 _____23B. I am really good at tasks that require a careful and cautious 

approach.

BPC_24a Adjustment 39 _____24A. I accept criticism better than most people.

BPC_24b Responsibility 93 _____24B. I keep my promises even if it inconveniences my friends or family.

BPC_25a Adjustment 22 _____25A. I don't enjoy stressful situations, but I do handle them well.

BPC_25b Intellectual 

Efficiency 29 _____25B. I was sometimes bored in school because the work was too easy.

BPC_26a Intellectual 

Efficiency 42

_____26A. I am so quick in my thinking that others have a hard time keeping 

up with me.

BPC_26b Ingenuity 40 _____26B. Generating new ideas is effortless for me.

BPC_27a Generosity 26 _____27A. I tend to be helpful and do things for people even when they don't 

expect it.

BPC_27b Generosity 04 _____27B. I don't like lending money even to my best friends.

BPC_28a Cooperation 103 _____28A. I get along with almost everyone.

BPC_28b Achievement 37 _____28B. When being evaluated, I try to get the highest rating possible

BPC_29a Dominance 12 _____29A. I've been told that I need to be more assertive.

BPC_29b Responsibility 56 _____29B. I am known to forget to return things that I've borrowed.

BPC_30a Responsibility 38 _____30A. I'm usually on time for meetings at work, but don't care so much 

about running late with friends.

BPC_30b Responsibility 51

_____30B. I believe I fulfill my obligations and promises as well as most 

people.

BPC_31a Ingenuity 104 _____31A. I never seem to run out of ideas at work. 

BPC_31b Adjustment 30 _____31B. If I do something stupid or embarrass myself, I usually just laugh it 

off.

BPC_32a Well Being 43 _____32A. I can find something positive to say in even the worst of situations.

BPC_32b Well Being 18 _____32B. At times, I get really down on myself for making mistakes, but I get 

over it quickly.

BPC_33a Achievement 52 _____33A. I tend to set goals that are challenging, but still reachable.

BPC_33b Achievement 46 _____33B. I try to be the best at anything I do.

BPC_34a Cooperation 42 _____34A. I like most people I meet.

BPC_34b Intellectual 

Efficiency 41 _____34B. I grasp scientific theories easily.

Item # Concept/Construct Item

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_35a Dominance 43 _____35A. When working on a team project, I like to take charge of things.

BPC_35b Generosity 48 _____35B. I contribute to charity regularly.

BPC_36a Cooperation 14 _____36A. I'm a pleasant person, but, like everyone else, I get grumpy from 

time to time.

BPC_36b Sociability 35 _____36B. I have about average social skills.

BPC_37a Responsibility 38 _____37A. I'm usually on time for meetings at work, but don't care so much 

about running late with friends.

BPC_37b Cooperation 106 _____37B. I have often been critical of others.

BPC_38a Order 30 _____38A. I become annoyed when things around me are disorganized.

BPC_38b Order 06 _____38B. I feel comfortable even in very disorganized settings.

BPC_39a Achievement 27 _____39A. I have high standards and work toward them.

BPC_39b Well Being 41 _____39B. I have a positive outlook on life.

BPC_40a Achievement 50 _____40A. Most people would call me ambitious.
9

BPC_40b Self Control 02 _____40B. If I had time, I would double check my answers on an exam before 

turning it in.

BPC_41a Dominance 12 _____41A. I've been told that I need to be more assertive.

BPC_41b Dominance 25 _____41B. I usually control the topic and flow of conversation.

BPC_42a Generosity 04 _____42A. I don't like lending money even to my best friends.

BPC_42b Curiosity 41 _____42B. I wouldn't attend lectures or training courses just for fun. 

BPC_43a Dominance 18 _____43A. I don't like to give orders, but I would, if necessary, to get things 

done.

BPC_43b Cooperation 19 _____43B. I tend not to trust people until I know them well.

BPC_44a Order 04 _____44A. Most of the time my room is in complete disarray.

BPC_44b Intellectual 

Efficiency 13

_____44B. I am usually not very quick in my thinking, but I have strengths in 

other areas.

BPC_45a Sociability 70 _____45A. I can network or socialize with people, but I am not as good at it as 

some of my friends.

BPC_45b Intellectual 

Efficiency 08 _____45B. I would happily work in jobs that require little thinking.

BPC_46a Sociability 25 _____46A. I like to go out in a big group.

BPC_46b Curiosity 31 _____46B. I always take things apart to find out how they work.

BPC_47a Intellectual 

Efficiency 08 _____47A. I would happily work in jobs that require little thinking.

BPC_47b Intellectual 

Efficiency 34 _____47B. I can hold a meaningful conversation on just about any topic.

BPC_48a Responsibility 05 _____48A. When I make a mistake, I take full responsibility for it.

Item # Concept/Construct Item

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_48b Ingenuity 73 _____48B. Being new and original comes quite naturally to me.

BPC_49a Dominance 29 _____49A. I can be intimidating at times.

BPC_49b Sociability 30 _____49B. Talking to people makes me feel great.

BPC_50a Responsibility 46 _____50A. I would readily accept my share of responsibility for mistakes at 

work, but I wouldn’t take the blame for others.

BPC_50b Responsibility 93 _____50B. I keep my promises even if it inconveniences my friends or family.

BPC_51a Order 08 _____51A. I frequently forget to put things back in their proper places.

BPC_51b Adjustment 04 _____51B. I worry a lot more than others.

BPC_52a Adjustment 32 _____52A. On most days, I don't have even a single worry.

BPC_52b Dominance 25 _____52B. I usually control the topic and flow of conversation.

BPC_53a Generosity 27 _____53A. I am very generous with my time and money.

BPC_53b Sociability 32 _____53B. I'm just about the most outgoing person there is.

BPC_54a Sociability 39 _____54A. Although I consider myself pretty outgoing, some of my friends are 

way more sociable.

BPC_54b Adjustment 35 _____54B. After I make a mistake, I can't stop thinking about it.

BPC_55a Ingenuity 114 _____55A. When it comes to finding new solutions, I usually outshine others.

BPC_55b Dominance 30 _____55B. After joining a group, I usually end up becoming the leader.

BPC_56a Self Control 13 _____56A. I am known to make quick, hot-headed decisions.

BPC_56b Self Control 120 _____56B. I carefully choose my words, particularly in a public forum.

BPC_57a Generosity 45 _____57A. Although I think charitable causes are important, I personally don't 

like to be involved with them.

BPC_57b Self Control 15 _____57B. I like to do things fast, even when I know that the quality of what I 

do would be better if I slowed down.
10

BPC_58a Responsibility 52 _____58A. Most of the time I honor my commitments, but when unable to do 

so, I inform people right away.

BPC_58b Self Control 120 _____58B. I carefully choose my words, particularly in a public forum.

BPC_59a Adjustment 24 _____59A. I handle stress about as well as most people.

BPC_59b Well Being 17 _____59B. My life has had about an equal share of ups and downs.

BPC_60a Cooperation 106 _____60A. I have often been critical of others.

BPC_60b Cooperation 24 _____60B. I am on good terms with nearly everyone.

BPC_61a Achievement 50 _____61A. Most people would call me ambitious.

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_61b Achievement 210 _____61B. When given a choice, I prefer an easy job to a challenging one.

BPC_62a Dominance 43 _____62A. When working on a team project, I like to take charge of things.

BPC_62b Dominance 18 _____62B. I don't like to give orders, but I would, if necessary, to get things 

done.

BPC_63a Adjustment 22 _____63A. I don't enjoy stressful situations, but I do handle them well.

BPC_63b Adjustment 35 _____63B. After I make a mistake, I can't stop thinking about it.

BPC_64a Achievement 210 _____64A. When given a choice, I prefer an easy job to a challenging one.

BPC_64b Curiosity 13 _____64B. As long as I pass a training course, I don't care what I have learned.

BPC_65a Generosity 31 _____65A. I sympathize with those worse off than me and help them as much 

as I can.

BPC_65b Order 25 _____65B. I prefer to do things in a logical order.

BPC_66a Curiosity 39 _____66A. I like reading books or magazines about current events or new 

technology.

BPC_66b Curiosity 18 _____66B. I am happy with what I know, but there is always room to learn 

more.

BPC_67a Cooperation 24 _____67A. I am on good terms with nearly everyone.

BPC_67b Order 29 _____67B. I hardly ever lose or misplace things.

BPC_68a Adjustment 32 _____68A. On most days, I don't have even a single worry.

BPC_68b Adjustment 37 _____68B. Criticism bothers me no more or less than it bothers anyone else.

BPC_69a Well Being 10 _____69A. I tend to blame myself when things go wrong.

BPC_69b Sociability 15 _____69B. I am more of a listener than a talker.

BPC_70a Intellectual 

Efficiency 36 _____70A. I need things explained to me only once.

BPC_70b Responsibility 18 _____70B. I often feel responsible for making sure that all group projects and 

assignments are completed. 

BPC_71a Ingenuity 73 _____71A. Being new and original comes quite naturally to me.

BPC_71b Ingenuity 13 _____71B. In a group task, I tend to develop other people's ideas rather than 

come up with my own.

BPC_72a Curiosity 39 _____72A. I like reading books or magazines about current events or new 

technology.

BPC_72b Intellectual 

Efficiency 38 _____72B. I feel at ease when working on difficult tasks.

BPC_73a Curiosity 24 _____73A. I prefer informative documentaries to other television programs.

Item # Concept/Construct Item

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_73b Well Being 43 _____73B. I can find something positive to say in even the worst of situations.
11

BPC_74a Ingenuity 21 _____74A. I prefer to work with existing ideas, but sometimes I can come up 

with new ones of my own.

BPC_74b Ingenuity 45 _____74B. People always comment on how unique my ideas are.

BPC_75a Self Control 16

_____75A. I am not one of those people who has to do everything perfectly, 

but I rarely turn in work having silly mistakes, such as spelling errors or missing 

words.

BPC_75b Cooperation 48 _____75B. I complain no more than anyone else.

BPC_76a Order 46 _____76A. I am definitely more organized than most people.

BPC_76b Order 47 _____76B. When it comes to being tidy and clean, I am about average.

BPC_77a Well Being 28 _____77A. No matter what challenge life throws at me, I can handle it.

BPC_77b Order 31 _____77B. I keep detailed notes of important meetings and lectures.

BPC_78a Sociability 05 _____78A. I prefer being alone.

BPC_78b Self Control 13 _____78B. I am known to make quick, hot-headed decisions.

BPC_79a Sociability 29 _____79A. I hate to stay at home alone.

BPC_79b Order 30 _____79B. I become annoyed when things around me are disorganized.

BPC_80a Ingenuity 13 _____80A. In a group task, I tend to develop other people's ideas rather than 

come up with my own.

BPC_80b Well Being 14 _____80B. Bad things just happen to me more than to others, and there is 

nothing I can do about it.

BPC_81a Generosity 35 _____81A. I would help others as long as I had the free time and ability to do 

so.

BPC_81b Generosity 27 _____81B. I am very generous with my time and money.

BPC_82a Order 26 _____82A. Organization is a key component of most things I do.

BPC_82b Responsibility 50 _____82B. I take my obligations and commitments to others very seriously.

BPC_83a Sociability 70 _____83A. I can network or socialize with people, but I am not as good at it as 

some of my friends.

BPC_83b Sociability 30 _____83B. Talking to people makes me feel great.

BPC_84a Ingenuity 64 _____84A. I like jobs that allow me to develop and express my ideas.

BPC_84b Curiosity 34 _____84B. I am interested in learning about almost everything.

BPC_85a Intellectual 

Efficiency 23

_____85A. I can learn math, but I just need a little more time and practice to 

do so.

Item # Concept/Construct Item

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_85b Well Being 25 _____85B. Once in a while, I need a confidence boost, so I do something 

that's easy and likely to be a success.

BPC_86a Sociability 39 _____86A. Although I consider myself pretty outgoing, some of my friends are 

way more sociable.

BPC_86b Sociability 15 _____86B. I am more of a listener than a talker.

BPC_87a Self Control 04 _____87A. I avoid errors by being careful and thorough.

BPC_87b Ingenuity 45 _____87B. People always comment on how unique my ideas are.

BPC_88a Curiosity 47 _____88A. I wouldn't like having to learn new things all the time just to keep 

up with my job.

BPC_88b Self Control 27 _____88B. I try to be careful about what I say to others, but sometimes I just 

can't help myself.

BPC_89a Dominance 125 _____89A. When a decision has to be made, I am usually the one to make it.

BPC_89b Order 46 _____89B. I am definitely more organized than most people.

BPC_90a Responsibility 49 _____90A. I have made great personal sacrifices to do what I have promised.

BPC_90b Achievement 46 _____90B. I try to be the best at anything I do.
12

BPC_91a Curiosity 18 _____91A. I am happy with what I know, but there is always room to learn 

more.

BPC_91b Responsibility 51 _____91B. I believe I fulfill my obligations and promises as well as most 

people.

BPC_92a Intellectual 

Efficiency 15

_____92A. I have to read complex information several times before I fully 

understand it.

BPC_92b Dominance 36 _____92B. I don't like making decisions for people and prefer that others do it 

for me.

BPC_93a Order 33 _____93A. Every item in my room and on my desk has a designated place.

BPC_93b Curiosity 30 _____93B. I love to do experiments and see the results.

BPC_94a Cooperation 43 _____94A. Others usually ask me to join their teams because I am good at 

helping people work better together.

BPC_94b Adjustment 29 _____94B. I don't get startled or shaken up easily.

BPC_95a Order 47 _____95A. When it comes to being tidy and clean, I am about average.

BPC_95b Self Control 19 _____95B. I am patient and deliberate in my actions.

BPC_96a Self Control 29 _____96A. Even under time pressure, I would rather take my time to think 

about my answer to a question than to say the first thing that comes to mind.

BPC_96b Adjustment 16 _____96B. It is unusual for me to worry about something for more than a day 

or two.

Item # Concept/Construct Item

Personality Facets

(Continued)--<Module Stem> Please choose one statement in each pair that 

is more like you. Make a choice even when neither or both statements 

describe you particularly well. Just think about the two options a bit longer 

and choose the one that is more like you. 

BPC_97a Generosity 01 _____97A. I have so much going on that it is hard for me to find time for 

others.

BPC_97b Achievement 10 _____97B. I lower my standards as tasks get more difficult.

BPC_98a Curiosity 32 _____98A. I continually strive to uncover information about topics that are 

new to me.

BPC_98b Dominance 44 _____98B. I enjoy being in positions of high responsibility.

BPC_99a Achievement 38 _____99A. I make every effort to do more than what is expected of me.

BPC_99b Dominance 28 _____99B. I enjoy supervising others.

BPC_100a Responsibility 06 _____100A. I have always felt an extremely strong sense of personal 

responsibility and duty.

BPC_100b Generosity 26 _____100B. I tend to be helpful and do things for people even when they 

don't expect it.

BPC_101a Dominance 19 _____101A. I speak up when it's important.

BPC_101b Well Being 22 _____101B. For the most part, I feel that my life is on the right track.

BPC_102a Achievement 55 _____102A. I work about as hard to complete tasks as most people I know.

BPC_102b Ingenuity 22 _____102B. I sometimes have good ideas at work, just like everyone else.

BPC_103a Achievement 34 _____103A. I go above and beyond what is required of me.

BPC_103b Sociability 27 _____103B. I'm easy to talk to.

BPC_104a Generosity 24 _____104A. It is important for me to work in a profession where I can help 

others.

BPC_104b Well Being 35 _____104B. I am pretty happy with my life.
13

ESO Noncognitive Battery - Additional Proposed Background Questions

Question 

Description Question Theme

B_Q02a Are you currently studying for any kind of formal degree or certificate?

Current studies; level 

of degree; area of 

study

1 Yes

2 No

B_Q02bUS What type of degree or certificate are you currently studying for?

Current studies; level 

of degree; area of 

study

1 Grades 1-6

2 Grades 7-9

3 High school diploma

4

Pre-associate education. Attended trade school, college, or university; 

no certificate or degree received

6

A certificate from a college or trade school for completion of a program 

prior to the associate/bachelor's degree

7 Associate degree

8 Bachelor's degree (e.g. BA, AB, BS)

9 Master's degree (e.g. MA, MS, MEng, MEd, MSW, MBA)

10 Professional degree (e.g. MD, DDS, DVM, LLB, JD)

11 Doctorate degree (e.g. PhD, EdD)

B_Q02cUSX

What was the area of study, emphasis or major for this degree or 

certificate? If there was more than one, please choose the one you 

consider most important.

Current studies; level 

of degree; area of 

study

B_Q02c

Now, looking at this card, in which category would you place 

^B_Q02cUSX ? Again, if there was more than one, please choose the 

one you consider most important.

Current studies; level 

of degree; area of 

study

1 General programs

2 Teacher training and education studies

3 Humanities, languages and arts

4 Social sciences, business and law

5 Science, mathematics and computing

6 Engineering, manufacturing and construction

7 Agriculture and veterinary

8 Health and welfare

9 Services

B_Q04a During the last 12 months, that is since ^MonthYear, have you studied 

for any formal degree or certificate, either full-time or part-time?

Studies in the last 12 

months

1 Yes

2 No
14

B_R12

[TU-EN-Question-B_R12-1]We would now like to turn to other 

organized learning activities you may have participated in during the 

last 12 months, including both work and non-work related activities. We 

will distinguish between courses mentioned on this show card. When 

answering the next questions, please exclude any activity you engaged 

in as part of the study you already reported on.[TU-EN-Question-B_R12-

2]We would now like to turn to other organized learning activities you 

may have participated in during the last 12 months, including both work 

and non-work related activities. We will distinguish between courses 

mentioned on this show card.

B_Q12a During the last 12 months, have you participated in courses conducted 

through open or distance education?

Non-formal learning 

activities (distance 

education, on-the-job 

courses, seminars, 

other private lessons)

1 Yes

2 No

B_Q12c During the last 12 months, have you attended any organized sessions 

for on-the-job training or training by supervisors or co-workers?

Non-formal learning 

activities (distance 

education, on-the-job 

courses, seminars, 

other private lessons)

1 Yes

2 No

B_Q12e During the last 12 months, have you participated in seminars or 

workshops?

Non-formal learning 

activities (distance 

education, on-the-job 

courses, seminars, 

other private lessons)

1 Yes

2 No

B_Q12g During the last 12 months, have you participated in courses or private 

lessons, not already reported?

Non-formal learning 

activities (distance 

education, on-the-job 

courses, seminars, 

other private lessons)

1 Yes

2 No

[B_Q26a] [TU-EN-Question-B_Q26a-1]

In the last 12 months, were there more learning activities you wanted 

to participate in but did not? Include both learning activities that lead to 

formal degrees and other organized learning activities.

[TU-EN-Question-B_Q26a-2]

In the last 12 months, were there any learning activities you wanted to 

participate in but did not? Include both learning activities that lead to 

formal degrees and other organized learning activities.

More/any learning 

activities, wanted, but 

could not participate 

in; reasons for nonparticipation, 

1 Yes

2 No
15

[B_Q26b] Which of the following reasons prevented you from participating in 

education and training? Please indicate the most important reason.

More/any learning 

activities, wanted, but 

could not participate 

in; reasons for nonparticipation, 

1 I did not have the prerequisites

2 Education or training was too expensive/I could not afford it

3 Lack of employer support

4 I was too busy at work

5 The course or program was offered at an inconvenient time

6 I did not have time because of child care or family responsibilities

7

Something unexpected came up that prevented me from taking 

education or training

8 Other

[B_R27aUSX] During the past 12 months, did you take any classes or have a tutor ...

[B_Q27aUSX] to improve your basic reading, writing, and math skills?

Basic education 

courses in the last 12 

months 

(reading/writing/math, 

GED, some other adult 

education)

1 Yes

2 No

[B_Q27bUSX] to prepare to take the General Educational Development test, or GED?

Basic education 

courses in the last 12 

months 

(reading/writing/math, 

GED, some other adult 

education)

1 Yes

2 No

[B_Q27cUSX] in some other high school equivalency program or adult high school 

program?

Basic education 

courses in the last 12 

months 

(reading/writing/math, 

GED, some other adult 

education)

1 Yes

2 No

[B_Q29aUSX] During the past 12 months, were you in a formal apprenticeship 

program leading to journeyman status in a skilled trade or craft?

Formal apprenticeship 

in the last 12 months

1 Yes

2 No