The effect of individual expectations on Firo-B profiles.

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that subjects' expectations influence responses to Schutz's FIRO-B questionnaire, 60 male and female undergraduate college students were tested under different sets of instructions. A between-within subjects three-factor mixed design was employed to determine score variance in each of Schutz's FIRO-B need areas as a result of the instruction and gender variables. The null form of all hypotheses was accepted and indicated that the instruction and gender variables had no significant effect on FIRO-B profiles. Significant findings were obtained due to variances among the need areas themselves. The significant differences resulted from unpredictable variances of Schutz's Control factor. These were not rational explanations of human behavior and indicated that the FIRO-B was not accurately measuring interpersonal needs in this sample. Some doubt is cast on the validity and reliability of the FIRO-B questionnaire and Schutz's theory of Fundamental Interpersonal Relationships Orientation which the FIRO-Bwas designed to assess.