Sampling Distributions for Scores On the Role Construct Repertory Test

Abstract

Sampling distributions are obtained for scores on the grid form of the Role Construct Repertory Test (Rep Test) using a null hypothe sis of random behavior. Three different scoring rules are considered; the method of tied-ratings based on 6-point scales (Bieri et al., 1966), the method of tied-ratings based on 2-point scales (Scott, 1962) and Fiedler's most preferred person score (Fiedler, 1967). In all three cases the mean and variance of the sampling distribution under H_o are given exactly and the distribution form is shown to be approxi mately normal. The sampling theory is compared to empirical re sults reported by Schneier (1979) for Bieri's rule. The discrepancies between theory and behavior form the basis for the discussion of a few test design issues.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Bieri, J. , Atkins, A.L. , Briar, S. , Leaman, R.L. , Miller, H. , and Tripodi, T. Clinical and social judgment. New York: Wiley, 1966.

Fiedler, F. A theory of leadership effectiveness. New York : McGraw-Hill, 1967.

Hays, W.L. Statistics. New York: Hold, Rinehart, and Winston, 1963.

Kelly, G.A. The psychology of personal constructs 1 and 2. New York : Nortan, 1955.

Larson, L.L. and Rowland, K.M. Leadership style and cognitive complexity. Academy of Management Journal, 1974, 17, 37-45.

Menasco, M. Experience conflict in decision making as a function of level of cognitive complexity. Psychological Reports, 1976, 39, 923-933.

Menasco, M. Relationships among cognitive dissonance, cognitive complexity, and state anxiety in a consumer purchase situation. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon, 1975.

Menasco, M.B. and Curry, D.J. An assessment of the role construct repertory test. Applied Psychological Measurement, 1978, 2, 361-369.

Schneier, C.E. Performance appraisal in organizations: An empirical field investigation of the influence of rater cognitive complexity on rater behavior and of behaviorally anchored rating scales as a performance appraisal format. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Colorado, 1975.

10.

Schneier, C.E. Measuring cognitive complexity: Developing reliability, validity, and norm tables for a personality instrument. EDUCATIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT, 1979, 39, 599-612.

11.

Scott, W.A. Cognitive complexity and cognitive flexibility. Sociometry , 1962, 25, 405-414.

12.

Seaman, J.M. and Koenig, F. A comparison of measures of cognitive complexity. Sociometry , 1974, 37, 375-390.

13.

Thomasian, A.J. The structure of probability theory with applications. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1969.

14.

Vannoy, J.S. Generality of cognitive-simplicity as a personality construct. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1965 , 2, 385-396.