The Riverside Behavioral Q-sort

 

By David C. Funder, R. Michael Furr & C. Randall Colvin

University of California, Riverside

 

 

1.               Expresses awareness of being on camera or in an experiment (Regardless of whether reaction is positive or negative).

 

2.               Interviews his or her partner(s). (EG: Asks a series of questions).

 

3.               Volunteers a large amount of information about self.

 

4.               Seems interested in what partner(s) has to say.

 

5.               Tries to control the interaction (Disregard whether attempts at control succeed or not).

 

6.               Dominates the interaction (Disregard intention EG: If subject dominates interaction "by default" because the partner(s) does very little, this item should receive high placement).

 

7.               Appears to be relaxed and comfortable.

 

8                Exhibits social skills. (EG:  Does things to make partner(s) comfortable, keeps conversation moving, entertains or charms the partner(s)).

 

9.               Is reserved and unexpressive. (EG: Exresses little affect; acts in a stiff, formal manner).

 

10.                   Laughs frequently. (Disregard whether laughter appears to be “nervous” or “genuine”).

11.             Smiles frequently.

 

12.             Is physically animated; moves around a great deal.

 

13.             Seems to like partner(s). (EG: Would probably like to be friends with partner(s)).

 

14.             Exhibits an awkward interpersonal style. (EG:  Seems to have difficulty knowing what to say, mumbles, fails to respond to partner's conversational advances).

 

15.             Compares self to other(s). (Whether others are present or not).

16.             Shows high enthusiasm and a high energy level.

 

17.             Shows a wide range of interests. (EG: Talks about many topics).

 

18.             Talks at rather than with partner(s). (EG: Conducts a monolog, ignores what partner(s) says).

 

19.             Expresses agreement frequently.  (High placement implies agreement is expressed unusually often, e.g., in response to each and every statement partner(s) makes.  Low placement implies unusual lack of expression of agreement).

 

20.             Expresses criticism.  (Of anybody or anything). (Low placement implies expresses praise).

 

21.             Is talkative. (As observed in this situation).

 

22.             Expresses insecurity. (EG:  Seems touchy or overly sensitive.

 

23.             Show physical signs of tension or anxiety.  (EG: Fidgets nervously, voice wavers). (Lack of signs of anxiety=middle placement; low placement=lack of signs under circumstances where you would expect to see them).

 

24.              Exhibits a high degree of intelligence (NB:  At issue is what is displayed in the interaction not what may or may not be latent.  Thus, give this item high placement only if subject actually says or does something of high intelligence.  Low placement implies exhibition of low intelligence; medium placement = no information one way or another.

 

 

25.             Expresses sympathy toward partner(s). (Low placement implies unusual lack of sympathy).

 

26.             Initiates humor.

 

27.             Seeks reassurance from partner(s). (EG: Asks for agreement, fishes for praise).

 

 

28.             Exhibits condescending behavior. (Acts as if self is superior to partner(s) in one or more ways. Low placement implies acting inferior).

 

29.             Seems likable. (To other(s) present).

 

30.             Seeks advice from partner(s).

 

31.             Appears to regard self as physically attractive (Nonverbal cues probably will be used to judge this item; examples migh include preeening, posing, etc.).

 

32.             Acts irritated.

 

33.             Expresses warmth. (To anyone EG: Include any references to “my close friend,” etc ).

 

34.             Tries to undermine, sabotage or obstruct. (Either the experiment or partner(s)).

 

35.             Expresses hostility.  (No matter toward whom or what).

 

36.             Is unusual or unconventional in appearance.

 

37.             Behaves in a fearful or timid manner.

 

38.             Is expressive in face, voice or gestures.

 

39.             Expresses interest in fantasy or daydreams. (Low placement only if such interest is explicitly disavowed).

 

40.             Expresses guilt (About anything).

 

41.             Keeps partner(s) at a distance avoids development of any sort of interpersonal relationship.  (Low placement implies behavior to get close to partner(s)).

 

42.             Shows interst in intellectual or cognitive matters. (EG:  By discussing an intellectual idea in detail or with enthusiasm.

 

43.             Seems to enjoy the interaction.

 

44.             Says or does interesting things in this interaction.

 

45.             Says negative things about self. (EG:  Is self‑critical; expresses feelings of inadequacy).

 

46.             Displays ambition.  (EG:  Passionate discussion of career plans, course grades, opportunities to make money).

 

47.             Blames others. (For anything).

 

48.             Expresses self‑pity or feelings of victimization.

 

49.             Expresses sexual interest. (EG: Acts attracted to partner; expresses interest in dating or sexual matters in general).

 

50.             Behaves in a cheerful manner.

 

51.             Gives up when faced with obstacles (Low placement implies unusual persistence).

 

52.             Behaves in a stereotypically masculine/feminine style or manner. (Apply the usual stereotypes appropriate to the subject's sex.  Low placement implies behavior stereotypical of the opposite sex.

 

53.             Offers advice.

 

54.             Speaks fluently and expresses ideas well.

 

55.             Emphasizes accomplishments of self, family or housemates. (Low placement = emphasizes failures of these individuals.

 

56.             Competes with partner(s). (Low placement implies cooperation).

 

57.             Speaks in a loud voice.

 

58.             Speaks sarcastically. (EG:  Says things (s)he does not mean; makes facetious comments that are not necessarily funny).

 

59.             Makes or approaches physical contact with partner(s) (Of any sort, including sitting unusually close without touching). (Low placement implies unusual avoidance of physical contact, such as large interpersonal distance.

 

60.             Engages in constant eye contact with partner(s). (Low placement implies unusual lack of eye contact).

 

61.             Seems detached from the interaction.

 

62.             Speaks quickly. (Low placement = speaks slowly).

 

63.             Acts playful.

 

64.             Partner(s) seeks advice from subject.