Selection of heterosocial skills: I. Criterion-related validity

Abstract

This study examined a criterion-related validity paradigm for the selection of heterosocial skills. Multivariate statistical procedures were used to examine the relationship between three conversational behaviors of male subjects (N=105) and ratings of heterosocial competence, i.e., interpersonal attractiveness, by female peers following unstructured dyadic interactions. The relationships of physical attractiveness and background similarity were also examined. Personal attention and physical attractiveness significantly predicted female attraction. The findings supported the relevance of this psychometric validity model for behavioral assessment. In particular, this paradigm was viewed as a screening procedure which could be integrated with experimental investigations of the behavior-criterion relationship, thus forming a comprehensive assessment network.