The purpose of this study was to revise and to update Havighurst's performance rating scale and interview schedule for the contemporary home/services manager social role. The three major objectives were: (a) to develop and to validate a performance rating scale to assess individuals; (b) to develop and to validate an interview schedule that allowed raters to make reliable distinctions about home/services manager performance; and (c) to identify possible socioeconomic, gender, or age patterns across ratings.
The performance rating scale was developed with the assistance of the USF Social Roles Research Team, a pilot panel, a validation panel, a verification panel, and a confirmation panel. Subsequently, the interview schedule was also developed with assistance from the same first four groups.
The performance rating scale and interview schedule were field tested and revised based on feedback. Data were then collected on a quota sample, qualified by age, gender, socioeconomic status level, and race/ethnicity. From these data, inter-rater and intra-rater reliability and agreement and a coefficient of stability were calculated. High correlations were found for reliability and moderate correlations were found on agreement. A strong positive coefficient of stability was obtained, contributing to evidence of reliability of the scale and interview schedule.
Analysis of these data support the idea that differences in ratings for the home/services manager social role existed based on gender and socioeconomic status level. An interaction effect was found between age and gender. Age specific gender differences were found. Scores between males and females for the older and younger age groups were significantly different, with females rating higher than males. The upper middle SES level ratings were highest, followed by lower middle and elite, working, and disenfranchised ratings. A relationship was also found between age and living arrangements, as well as between socioeconomic status and living arrangements.
As a result of this study, individual performance on the contemporary home/services manager social role can be evaluated, which can assist educators in developing educational programs, in counseling, and in helping adults learn. The knowledge gained about the home/services manager social role can assist adults, both male and female, to manage their home/service responsibilities better.
My Research