The
Social Style Model has been researched for over 40 years and TRACOM continually ensures the reliability and validity of the
model and its measurement systems using established psychometric techniques. The Model is not stagnant, but rather undergoes
ongoing refinement and enhancement. The Model has also been researched and developed for global applications.
Social
Style Profiles measure behavioural style. But behaviour, like all psychological phenomena, is different than things that can
be easily and accurately measured in the physical world, such as weight and height. In order to make this claim, the instrument
has to adhere to standards that have been set forth by the scientific community. In particular, research evidence should correspond
to criteria set forth in the “Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing” (AERA, APA & NCME, 1999),
which provides benchmarks for developing psychological measurement instruments. This evidence comes in two primary forms:
reliability and validity.
Reliability
determines whether an instrument measures in a way that is consistent and dependable. As an example, if I weigh myself
on the same scale every day for a week and my weight is registered the same every day, then this scale is reliable.
Validity
determines whether an instrument measures accurately. In other words, does it measure what it proposes to measure? In
the example above, if I stepped on the scale and it told me that I have brown eyes, it would not be a valid measure since
it isn’t measuring my weight.
TRACOM’s
Social Style Profiles have been administered to more than 1.5 million people over the past three decades. TRACOM’s Social
Style profiles are valid, reliable instruments. TRACOM continues its ongoing research, updating validation on the instruments
every six months.
