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Abstract

Smith's Test of Sensitivity (TOS) was examined through Campbell and Fiske's multitrait-multimethod approach. Intelligence and sensitivity were measured by objectively scored tests, peer ratings, and self-ratings. Fifty-three subjects comprising ten work or living groups were sampled from undergraduates, graduates, and employees of the University of Montana. Significant monotrait-heteromethod values were found for the intelligence but not for the sensitivity measure. The failure to find convergent validity for the TOS should be considered before employing this instrument for the measurement of sensitivity. Data from the present study have suggested that alternatively (a) sensitivity is not meaningfully described as a unified personality trait or (b) the TOS does not adequately tap the trait.

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References

Ammons, R. B. and Ammons, C. H. The Quick Test (QT): Provisional Manual. Psychological Reports, 1962, 11, 111-161.

Campbell, D. T. and Fiske, D. W. Convergent and Discriminant Validation by the Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix. Psychological Bulletin, 1959, 56, 81-105.

Cline, V. B. and Richards, J. M., Jr. Accuracy of Interpersonal Perception—A General Trait. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 1960, 60, 1-7.

Smith, H. C. Sensitivity Training. New York: McGraw Hill, 1973.

Convergent and Discriminant Validity of a Test of Sensitivity

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