Scale Description

The Socio-Communicative Style Scale (SCSS) is a psychometric tool developed to assess individuals’ socio-communicative styles. This scale measures two main dimensions of communication: assertiveness and responsiveness. This tool helps in understanding how individuals communicate and interact with others in social and professional settings.

Data Analysis and Use

The analysis of responses to the SCSS involves evaluating answers to a series of statements related to the two main dimensions of communication:

  • Assertiveness: Assesses an individual’s ability and willingness to express their opinions, feelings, and needs in a clear and decisive manner. Statements in this dimension may include the willingness to take initiatives, lead, and express disagreements.
  • Responsiveness: Assesses an individual’s ability and willingness to respond to others’ needs, feelings, and opinions with sensitivity and support. Statements in this dimension may include empathy, support, and sensitivity to others’ emotional needs.

The responses are scored on a Likert scale, typically ranging from five to seven points (from 1=Strongly Disagree to 5 or 7=Strongly Agree).

Objective

The objective of the SCSS is to provide a reliable and valid measure of individuals’ socio-communicative styles. Understanding these styles can help researchers and communication professionals better understand how different communication approaches influence interpersonal relationships, job performance, and social interaction.

Calibration

The calibration of the SCSS involves calculating the total scores for each dimension as well as an overall score for socio-communicative style. These scores can be categorized to indicate levels of assertiveness and responsiveness:

  • Low Assertiveness or Responsiveness: Indicates low levels of assertiveness or responsiveness in social and communicative interactions.
  • Moderate Assertiveness or Responsiveness: Indicates moderate levels of assertiveness or responsiveness.
  • High Assertiveness or Responsiveness: Indicates high levels of assertiveness or responsiveness in social and communicative interactions.

Bibliography

Richmond, V. P., & McCroskey, J. C. (1990). Reliability and separation of factors on the assertiveness-responsiveness measure. Psychological Reports, 67(2), 449-450.

Norton, R. W. (1983). Communicator style: Theory, applications, and measures. Sage Publications.

Infante, D. A., & Rancer, A. S. (1982). A conceptualization and measure of argumentativeness. Journal of Personality Assessment, 46(1), 72-80.

Wheeless, L. R., & Duran, R. L. (1982). Gender differences in communication: An empirical investigation of sex roles and the socio-communicative orientation model. Communication Monographs, 49(4), 299-311.