Analysis

The Butler-Haigh Q-SORT is a psychometric tool designed to assess individuals’ self-concepts and ideal self-concepts. The Q-SORT is a method used to measure individuals’ views and attitudes by having them sort a series of statements based on how representative they are of the participant’s actual self (real self) or ideal self.

Purpose

The main goal of the Butler-Haigh Q-SORT is to explore the difference between the actual and ideal self-concept, helping to understand the psychological states that may influence an individual’s well-being and self-esteem. The data collected can be used to diagnose psychological issues, assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, and understand internal conflicts.

Scoring

Participants are given a series of statements describing various characteristics and behaviors. They are asked to sort these statements on a 9-point scale (bell-shaped distribution), ranging from the least to the most representative of their actual self (real self) or their ideal self (ideal self). The rankings are then analyzed to determine the differences between the actual and ideal self-concept and identify potential areas of internal conflict or dissatisfaction.

References

Butler, J., & Haigh, G. V. (1954). Changes in the relation between self-concepts and ideal concepts consequent upon client-centered counseling. In C. R. Rogers & R. F. Dymond (Eds.), Psychotherapy and Personality Change (pp. 55-75). University of Chicago Press.
Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-Centered Therapy: Its Current Practice, Implications, and Theory. Houghton Mifflin.
Block, J. (1961). The Q-Sort Method in Personality Assessment and Psychiatric Research. Charles C. Thomas Publisher.
Stephenson, W. (1953). The Study of Behavior: Q-Technique and Its Methodology. University of Chicago Press.
Brown, S. R. (1980). Political Subjectivity: Applications of Q Methodology in Political Science. Yale University Press.