Adjective Q-SET for Non-Professional Sorters

Abstract

The Adjective Q-SET for Non-Professional Sorters is a psychometric instrument developed by Jack Block and his colleagues, designed for the efficient and standardized measurement of personality structure. Utilizing the established Q-sort methodology, this set comprises 70 descriptive adjectives and phrases. Its core distinction lies in its suitability for use by non-professional raters, such as peers, family members, or subjects themselves, thereby facilitating broad research into self-concept, observer ratings, and psychological characteristics. The instrument requires sorters to distribute the items into a fixed, quasi-normal distribution, yielding a detailed profile often used to assess psychological adjustment and identity.

Keywords

Q-sort, personality assessment, adjective checklist, self-concept, observer rating, psychological measurement, Block Q-sort, forced distribution, psychological adjustment

Authors

Jack Block, H. Thomas, Judy Chang, John P. Robinson, Phillip R. Shaver

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Adjective Q-SET is to provide a structured and controlled method for describing and quantifying personality characteristics. This instrument addresses limitations inherent in traditional, unrestricted rating scales by mandating a fixed, quasi-normal distribution of the 70 items. This forced sorting process compels the rater to make fine discriminations among the descriptors, which minimizes common response biases such as acquiescence or the tendency toward extreme scoring.

Specifically designed for use by “Non-Professional Sorters,” the scale is highly versatile for social, developmental, and personality research where clinical expertise is not available or necessary. It is particularly effective in studies that measure the congruence or discrepancy between the actual self and the ideal self, a comparison frequently interpreted as a quantitative measure of psychological adjustment, as demonstrated in foundational research by Block and Thomas (1955).

Construct

The Adjective Q-SET measures the individual’s perceived personality organization, often referred to as self-concept, by assessing various dimensions of psychological functioning. The 70 items are selected to cover a wide spectrum of human traits, encompassing interpersonal style, emotional stability, cognitive characteristics, and behavioral tendencies.

The resulting Q-sort profile provides a holistic and highly detailed snapshot of the individual’s personality structure. By emphasizing the relative applicability of traits (ipsative measurement) rather than absolute trait scores, the instrument highlights the individual’s unique configuration of strengths and weaknesses. Researchers frequently correlate these derived personality structures with external criteria, ranging from behavioral outcomes and clinical diagnoses to general life satisfaction, confirming its utility in comprehensive personality assessment.

Validity

The validity of the Adjective Q-SET is strongly rooted in the extensive psychometric evidence supporting the broader Q-sort methodology, particularly the California Q-Set (CQS) developed by Jack Block. When this specific 70-item set is employed, researchers typically focus on establishing criterion validity and construct validity relevant to the study context.

Criterion validity is supported when the Q-sort ratings effectively differentiate between groups known to differ on the measured construct, such as comparing profiles of well-adjusted versus maladjusted individuals. Construct validity is established by demonstrating that the patterns of item placement correlate logically and empirically with scores derived from other established instruments measuring related personality and adjustment constructs, thus confirming that the scale accurately captures the intended psychological organization.

Reliability

The reliability of the Adjective Q-SET is generally assessed through two primary metrics: inter-rater reliability and temporal stability. Inter-rater reliability is crucial for observer ratings, measuring the consistency of sorting patterns when two or more independent sorters rate the same individual. Acceptable levels of agreement are typically found, especially when observers are well-acquainted with the subject and receive adequate training.

The fixed distribution requirement of the Q-sort procedure is an inherent strength, as it controls for reliability issues associated with unrestricted rating scales, such as idiosyncratic use of rating extremes. Temporal stability (test-retest reliability) assesses the consistency of the personality profile over time. High stability coefficients suggest that the core personality structure being described is durable and not merely reflective of a transient state, indicating the instrument’s robustness for measuring enduring traits.

Factor Analysis

While the Q-sort method produces ipsative data—scores are relative to other items within the same individual—factor analysis remains a valuable tool for understanding the underlying structure of the scale. Factor analytical techniques are typically applied either to the correlations between the profiles of numerous individuals or to the correlations between items across a large sample of sorts.

Studies utilizing comprehensive Q-sets, including variations of this Adjective Q-SET, frequently reveal fundamental dimensions of personality assessment that align closely with major trait theories. Common factors extracted often relate to broad dimensions such as Ego Control (reflecting the degree of impulse management, ranging from self-controlled to impulsive) and Ego Resiliency (reflecting adaptability and flexibility versus rigidity), thereby providing a structural framework for interpreting the meaning of the 70 adjectives.

Instrument

Test Type: Observer rating scale and self-report measure (utilizing Q-sort methodology)

Format: Q-sort Technique. The 70 adjectives/phrases are presented on individual cards which the sorter must distribute into a fixed number of categories (typically 7 or 9 piles). The categories range from “most characteristic” to “least characteristic.”

Language Available: English (Original)

Population Group: General research populations, including non-clinical adults, college students, and subjects for peer/observer ratings.

Age Group: Adolescents and adults capable of understanding and applying nuanced personality descriptors.

Population Details: Used extensively in personality, developmental, and social psychology studies, relying heavily on ratings provided by peers or intimate observers, as well as self-ratings.

Test Methodology: The sorter is mandated to distribute the 70 cards into the specified number of categories (e.g., 9 categories) according to a fixed frequency distribution (e.g., 5-8-12-16-12-8-5 across 9 categories). This mandatory distribution ensures standardization, controls for response bias, and yields a standardized profile score for analysis.

Keywords

Adjective Q-Set, psychological measurement, self-rating, Q-sort technique, personality traits, Jack Block, self-concept, ipsative data, research instrument, personality assessment

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A

Correspondence Address: N/A

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The Adjective Q-SET originated from early personality research conducted by Jack Block and colleagues, conceptually linked to the development of the California Q-Set. The original conceptualization and use of this specific 70-item set date back to the mid-1950s. Due to its historical context and widespread inclusion in psychological measures compilations (such as Robinson & Shaver, 1969), the scale items are generally considered to be in the public domain for academic research purposes. The original PDF describing this instrument can be downloaded here: https://www.psc.isr.umich.edu/dis/infoserv/isrpub/pdf/Measuresofsocialpsychologicalattitudes_2928_.PDF

Reference’s

• Block, J. and Thomas, H. (1955). Is satisfaction with the self a measure of adjustment? Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology. 51, 254-259.
• Chang, Judy and Block, J., (1960). A study of identification in male homosexuals, Journal of Consulting Psychology, 1960, 24, 307- 310.
• Block, J., (1961). The Q-sort method in personality assessment and psychiatric research. Springfield, Illinois: Thomas.
• Robinson, John P., Shaver, Phillip R. (1969). Measures of Political Attitudes. Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan/. Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Items of the Adjective Q-SET for Non-Professional Sorters

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

1. absent-minded
2. affected
3. ambitious
4. assertive ‚ dominant
5. bossy
6. calm
7. cautious
8. competitive
9. confident
10. considerate
11. cooperative
12. cruel ‚ mean
13. defensive
14. dependent
15. disorderly
16. dissatisfied
17. dramatic
18. dull
19. easily embarrassed
20. easily hurt
21. energetic
22. fair-minded‚ objective
23. feminine
24. frank
25. friendly
26. guileful
27. helpless
28. hostile
29. idealistic
30. imaginative
31. impulsive
32. intelligent
33. versatile
34. introspective
35. jealous
36. lazy
37. likable
38. persevering
39. personally ch‎arming
40. reasonable
41. rebellious
42. resentful
43. reserved‚ dignified
44. restless
45. sarcastic
46. poised
47. self-controlled
48. self – indulgent
49. selfish
50. self-pitying
51. sense of humor
52. sentimental
53. shrewd‚ clever
54. sincere
55. sophisticated
56. stubborn
57. suspicious
58. sympathetic
59. timid‚ submissive
60. touchy‚ irritable
61. tactless
62. unconventional
63. undecided‚ confused
64. unhappy
65. uninterested‚ indifferent
66. unworthy ‚ inadequate
67. warm
68. withdrawn‚ introverted
69. worried and anxious
70. wise