The Taxonomic Classification of Behaviors and Situations and the Problem of Behavior-Environment Congruence

Abstract

Ss rated the appropriateness of each of a fixed sample of behaviors in each of a fixed sample of situations. A cluster analysis of the intercorrelations of situations across behaviors yielded four distinct and homogeneous situation clusters. A cluster analysis of the intercorrelations of behaviors across situations produced four homogeneous and distinct behavior clusters. The relationship between the situation clusters and behavior clusters was examined and indicated that certain behavior clusters were uniquely appropriate in certain situation clusters. The implications of these results for (a) the interpretation of behavior X situation interaction effects, (b) situational classification as a basis of scientific concept formation and, (c) the identification of instances of behavior-environment congruence were discussed.