Comments on Bellack, Hersen, and Turner's paper on the validity of role-play test

Abstract

A paper by Bellack, Hersen, and Turner ( Behavior Therapy , 1978, 9 , 448–461) concerning the validity of role-play test is critically reviewed. While regarded as a step in the right direction, the studies reviewed are evaluated as possessing some methodological shortcomings which make interpretations of the results difficult. Some problems associated with the studies of Bellack et al. involve a less than satisfactory subject sample, a less than adequate description of the judges training procedures, a somewhat inadequate description of some of the constructs rated, differences in the media on which the observations were made, and the appropriateness of the situations chosen to observe the behavior. These shortcomings are reviewed in the context of the numerous problems faced by an investigator wishing to obtain validity data for assessment instruments relevant to the social skill area. Suggestions are made regarding the development of social skill assessment instruments and a methodological approach to testing the generalizability of these instruments mentioned.