GROUP BEHAVIOR DESCRIPTIONS: A NONMETRIC MULTIDIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS.

An application of Coombs' nonmetric multidimensional unfolding procedures to the problem of determining the relevant dimensions along which participant-observers select and describe interpersonal behaviors. 27 graduate students gave free response descriptions of their own classroom behaviors. Each student then divided the set of statements into 2 or more categories on an idiosyncratic basis. Frequency of joint inclusion in a distinct category was used as a measure of the similarity of pairs of stimuli. Coombs' procedures yielded 2 dimensions of simple orders of stimulus statements which were interpreted as involvement and feeling tone. Investigation of other phenomenological issues by the methodology was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]