Assertiveness in boys: evaluating the construct using template matching procedures

The present investigation expanded on the template matching approach (Cone, 1980) to empirically evaluate whether assertiveness is associated with interpersonal success among a group of fourth grade boys. Using popular sociometric status as an index of success in interaction, the performances of 15 popular boys were compared with those of 15 rejected boys in a role-play measure of social behavior. An observation code containing behaviors traditionally associated with assertiveness was compared to a code containing inductively generated behaviors. Popular boys demonstrated significantly higher levels of traditional and inductive behaviors. Total scores on the inductive behavioral, code correlated significantly with self-reported assertiveness, while total scores on the traditional code did not. On an evaluative measure of assertive, aggressive and submissive response alternatives, the two groups showed no significant differences. The utility of the template matching method in empirical target selection and validation was underscored.