Exploring the Validity of the IPT-15 : Using a Multiple method Approach to Replicate and Expand a Peer-rating Study of Nonverbal Communication

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to assess the validity of scores from the Interpersonal Perception Task-15 (IPT-15). This was done by examining the relation between perceptual accuracy in nonverbal communication, assessed by the IPT-15, and informant ratings of interpersonal sensitivity. A total of 54 psychology students and 122 of their acquaintances participated in the study. The students completed a battery of tests including the Interpersonal Perception Task-15 (IPT-15), the Big Five Inventory (BFI), the Micro Expressions-Training Tool (METT) and a verbal intelligence test (OAN). In addition, students completed a questionnaire asking for subjective estimates of skills and abilities related to the construct of interpersonal sensitivity. Acquaintances completed a similar questionnaire in which they were asked to estimate the participants’ skills and abilities related to the same construct. Replicating a previous peer-rating study in which validity evidence of scores from the IPT-15 was obtained, significant correlations between tests scores from the IPT-15 and informant ratings of interpersonal sensitivity were expected in the present study. Expectations regarding significant correlations between IPT-15 scores and the METT were also made explicit as well as expectations of significant positive correlations between intelligence and IPT-15 scores. Results revealed that IPT-15 scores did not correlate significantly with informant ratings of interpersonal sensitivity, contradicting the main hypothesis. In fact, the reliability of scores from the IPT-15 proved to be below that of what previous studies have demonstrated. IPT-15 scores did not correlate with METT scores or with scores from the verbal intelligence test either, contradicting the two additional hypotheses. However, significant correlations were observed between self-reports of interpersonal sensitivity and Openness, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Neuroticism. Informant reports of interpersonal sensitivity also correlated significantly with Agreeableness and Neuroticism. These latter results indicate personality traits being important factors contributing to subjective and others appraisals of interpersonal relations.