Final answer:
Participants with a strong independence schema tended to underestimate their level of independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the study mentioned, participants were divided into two groups based on their level of independence schema. Participants with a strong independence schema were compared to participants without one. Later, participants were asked to assess their own level of independence.
The correct answer is A) Underestimated their independence. Participants with a strong independence schema tended to underestimate their level of independence. This means that they didn't recognize or acknowledge their own level of independence, possibly due to their strong belief in being independent.