About the GPI

The Global Perspective Inventory (GPI) is a web-based assessment of individual experiences and has three dimensions global learning (i.e., cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal). The GPI is reliable and valid instrument that is beneficial for those involved with program assessment and institutional improvement initiatives. The GPI is protected by U.S. and International Copyright laws; reproduction and distribution is prohibited without permission.

The GPI was originally housed at The Global Perspective Institute Inc., which was established in 2008 to study and promote global holistic human development, especially among college students. The GPI was hosted by Central College in Pella, IA under the direction of Larry Braskamp until 2015 when Iowa State University began hosting the GPI under the direction of Robert Reason.

Using the GPI to Assess Global Learning

Nearly 200 colleges, universities, and educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad have used the GPI to assess global learning and education abroad experiences. We provide data collection, reporting, data analysis, and national norms to help meet your assessment, benchmarking, and accreditation needs. Data collected from the GPI can help you understand how individual experiences influence global learning. Results can be used to guide conversations related to student learning, program improvement, and institutional effectiveness. Although the three forms of the GPI are predominantly used to assess college students’ educational experiences, the core 35 questions can be used in any context.

Data Security

Data security is a requirement of the Iowa State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval process. The Qualtrics web-based survey data collection system uses Transport Layer Security encryption. Qualtrics is a secure site, and its data centers are independently audited using SSAE-16 method. Once data are collected, they are stored locally on password-protected computers. These computers require university credentials to log on and are protected with 265-bit Advanced Encryption Standard. Data are transferred to institutional participants using the Box.com web-based platform, which meets our IRB requirements as well as federal guidelines (e.g., FERPA). If your college or university does not have an institutional agreement with box.com, you can create a free personal account to access your data.

Dimensions

Three Dimensions of GPI

The GPI assesses three dimensions of global learning; each dimension has two scales. GPI data provide a starting point for understanding how students think (cognitive), how they view themselves (intrapersonal), and how they relate to others from different cultures and backgrounds or who have different values (interpersonal).

For each dimension, one scale reflects the theory of cultural development and the other scale reflects intercultural communication theory. The Knowing scale, Identity scale, and Social Responsibility scale each align theoretical approaches to intercultural development. The Knowledge scale, Affect scale, and Social Interaction scale each align with theoretical approaches to intercultural communication.

Cognitive Dimension

  • Knowing Scale: Recognizing the importance of cultural context in judging what is important to know and value
  • Knowledge Scale: Understanding and being aware of various cultures and their impact on society

Intrapersonal Dimension

  • Identity Scale: Being aware of and accepting one’s identity and sense of purpose
  • Affect Scale: Respecting and accepting cultural differences and being emotional aware

Interpersonal Dimension

  • Social Responsibility Scale: Being interdependent and having social concern for others
  • Social Interactions Scale: Engaging with others who are different and being culturally sensitive

Scale Reports

Information

The GPI is available in three forms to assess students’ global learning and experiences at critical points during college. The three forms share a common set of demographic questions and 35 core questions related to the three dimensions. These common questions allow for consistency in longitudinal and pre-post assessment. Each form has additional items that align with its purpose: See a complete list of all GPI Survey Items (pdf). The GPI is protected by U.S. and International Copyright laws; reproduction and distribution is prohibited without permission.

The table below can provide additional information on which form may be best suited for your assessment needs. If you need assistance determining which form would be best, contact our team at gpi@iastate.edu.

Selecting a Form

 New Student FormGeneral FormStudy Abroad Form
High school experiencesx  
College entry/First-yearxx 
End-of-year x 
Senior exit x 
Pre-study abroad x 
Post-study abroad  x
Pre-learning experience (e.g., internship, civic engagement, service learning) x 
Post-learning experience (e.g., internship, civic engagement, service learning) x 

Sample GPI Reports

Resources

Publications

Survey and Reporting Pricing

Survey administration and reporting pricing is based on the agreement between Iowa State University and the participating institution. The primary administration is the largest administration included on the invoice. To qualify as an additional administration, the survey needs to be included on the invoice.

Pricing includes (a) survey administration; (b) data preparation; and (c) reporting with national norms for each survey administration within a 12-month period, assuming all data collected during that period are reported in the aggregate. Additional reports and contracts that exceed 12 months are subject to additional fees. The GPI is protected by U.S. and International Copyright laws; reproduction and distribution is prohibited without permission.

Fee Structure

Sample SizePrimary AdministrationEach Additional Administration
Less than 500$1,000$500
501-1,000$1,500$750
1,001-1,500$2,000$1,000
1,501-2,000$2,800$1,140
Over 2,000$3,500$1,750

A $500 programming fee may be added if an institution adds institution-specific questions or uses the same survey for multiple groups and needs a survey item to allow the students to indicate with a group. The fee covers the time needed to reprogram the survey software and any additional time needed to modify the Institutional Review Board approval through Iowa State University. Institution may also lease the instrument to another campus. Please contact gpi@iastate.edu for more information

Fee Examples

ExampleItemized FeesTotal Fees
Survey 900 seniors in the spring1. General Form ($1,500)$1,500
Survey 150 students pre-post experience abroad1. General Form as pre-test ($1,000)
2. Study Abroad Form as post-test ($500)		$1,500
Survey 600 students participating in three experiences abroad, assessing pre-post experiences1. General Form as pre-test ($1,500)
2. Study Abroad Form as post-test ($750)
3. Add item to indicate experience abroad or/and require sub-group reports based on the added question(s) ($500)		$2,750