The Independent Activities Questionnaire (IAQ) was developed as a measure of self-initiated activity of high intellectual quality. Evidence for validity is presented in the form of correlations between IAQ response and measures of ability, interests, grades, activity level and initiative. The relatively low intercorrelation and differential validities of three a priori scales representing different content areas encourage further scale development. Frequencies of endorsement of the items were examined so that items can be revised to represent truly outstanding activities.