The Q-sort method, thoughts?

ST*

Quick question about the Q-sort method, does anyone have any thoughts on the theory that we find our 'gap' between self concept and ideal self?

I'm doing an essay at the moment, and I feel that situation dependant, this may not be accurate. If answering these kinds of questions in a more relaxed environment one might answer the questions as honestly as possible.

However, if put under any sort of pressure when answering the same questions for e.g. as part of an interview - would one not be likely to answer falsely taking social desirablility bias into consideration?

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated - t/y.

Dr. Octagon

Shock_treatment wrote:

Quick question about the Q-sort method, does anyone have any thoughts on the theory that we find our 'gap' between self concept and ideal self?

I'm doing an essay at the moment, and I feel that situation dependant, this may not be accurate. If answering these kinds of questions in a more relaxed environment one might answer the questions as honestly as possible.

However, if put under any sort of pressure when answering the same questions for e.g. as part of an interview - would one not be likely to answer falsely taking social desirablility bias into consideration?

Thoughts would be greatly appreciated - t/y.

Obviously in an interview situation people will portray themselves as being much closer to their ideal self than they reallyare. For example, most people have average communication skills (on average!) yet nearly everyone claims to be an excellent, efficient communicator to a board of interviewers.

I don't think that the Q-sort method is very good. I think that most peoples self concept will have an imaginary component and that they will return answers based on a lesser version of their ideal self which aren't completely honest. In short, I don't think that many people are 100% honest with themselves. As a preliminary measure it is alright but I wouldn't entirely trust the results of these tests.

ST*

Dr. Octagon wrote:

I don't think that the Q-sort method is very good. I think that most peoples self concept will have an imaginary component and that they will return answers based on a lesser version of their ideal self which aren't completely honest. In short, I don't think that many people are 100% honest with themselves. As a preliminary measure it is alright but I wouldn't entirely trust the results of these tests.

This was my feeling, to be honest. I did wonder why it still got a mention in psychology books, considering its reliability - but in hindsight Im thinking that the key point here is probably noting the difference between the two. Actual self and ideal self. *I wonder if people thought about their own 'gap' once in a while would that make them more assertive with all aspects of their lives?*

Food for thought.. thanks for that!