A Behavior Preference Inventory for Special Education Administrators

Abstract

The purpose of this study was the development and validation of an instrument, the Behavior Preference Inventory (BPI), to measure the need values of special education administrators, utilizing Rotter's social learning theory. The five need categories of recognition-status, protection dependency, dominance, independence, and love and affection, were examined in an experimental test sample with which a validating instrument was used involving the administrator's subordinates. A normative sample involving membership of CASE contributed additional descriptive data. It is advocated that the BPI is useful as a screening device in related research on the relationship of need value to expectancy and situational determinants in decision making. It is also proposed that the instrument serve as a vehicle for the sensitization of administrators to their personality investment in decision making.

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