In order to utilize the frame, assign each item a value from 1 to 10 points, with one being "Low" and 10 being "High". Rate the group in which you are interested on each item, then total the number of points. Groups with ratings very close to EITHER end of the spectrum (ie, 15 or 150) are very likely NOT healthy groups for a beginner. Groups which score towards the high end of the scale (ie, 150) are more than probably not healthy groups for ANYONE - including those already in them.

1. INTERNAL CONTROL - amount of internal politcal power exercised by leader(s) over members.

2. WISDOM CLAIMED - by leader(s); amount of infallibility declared about decisions.

3. WISDOM CREDITED - to leader(s) by members; amount of trust in decisions made by leaders.

4. DOGMA - rigidity of reality concepts taught; amount of doctrinal inflexibility.

5. RECRUITING - emphasis put on attracting new members amount of proselytizing.

6. FRONT GROUPS - number of subsidiary groups using different names from that of main group.

7. WEALTH - amount of money &/or property desired or obtained; emphasis on members' donations.

8. POLITICAL POWER - amount of external political influence desired or obtained.

9. SEXUAL MANIPULATION - of members by leader(s); amount of control over sex lives of members.

10. CENSORSHIP - amount of control over members' access to outside opinions on group, doctrines, or leader(s).

11. DROPOUT CONTROL - intensity of efforts directed at preventing or returning dropouts.

12. ENDORSEMENT OF VIOLENCE - when used by or for the gruop or its leader(s).

13. PARANOIA - amount of fear concerning real or imagined enemies; perceived power of opponents.

14. GRIMNESS - amount of disapproval concerning jokes about the group, its doctrines or leader(s).

15. SURRENDER OF WILL - emphasis on members not having to be responsible for personal decisions.