Interactional Style Test

The IDRlabs Interactional Style Test (IDR-IST) was developed by IDRlabs. The IDR-IST is based on the work of David W. Merrill, Ph.D., and Roger H. Reid, Ph.D., who created the Social Style model. The IDR-IST is not associated with any specific researchers or authors in the field of social psychology, personality psychology, or any affiliated research institutions.

The IDRlabs Interactional Style Test was informed by the questionnaire, Social Style questionnaire, as published in Reid, R. H., & Merrill, D. W. (1984). Social Styles and effective selling: A test of the situational self-image congruence hypothesis. Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management, 4(3), 29-33.

The four Social Styles - analytical, driving, amiable, and expressive are based on the concept of Social Style Theory developed by David W. Merrill, Ph.D., and Roger H. Reid, Ph.D. This theory proposes that individuals have preferred ways of interacting with others and making decisions and that understanding these styles can help people improve communication and work more effectively together.

According to David W. Merrill, Ph.D., and Roger H. Reid, Ph.D., the creators of the Social Styles model, Social Styles refer to a framework used to understand and classify individuals' behavioral patterns in social and professional settings. The model suggests that people exhibit predictable patterns of behavior based on two dimensions: assertiveness and responsiveness.

Assertiveness: This dimension measures how individuals express their opinions, advocate for their interests, and take charge in social situations. People can be categorized as either "assertive" or "non-assertive."

Responsiveness: This dimension reflects how individuals respond to the emotions and needs of others. People can be categorized as either "responsive" or "less responsive."

By combining these two dimensions, Merrill and Reid identified four Social Styles:

Driver: Drivers are highly assertive and less responsive. They tend to be decisive, direct, and goal-oriented, often taking charge and focusing on results.

Expressive: Expressives are highly assertive and highly responsive. They are outgoing, enthusiastic, and expressive in their communication. They are often sociable, and creative, and enjoy working in teams.

Amiable: Amiables are less assertive and highly responsive. They prioritize maintaining relationships and harmony. They are supportive and cooperative, and prefer collaboration over competition.

Analytical: Analyticals are less assertive and less responsive. They value accuracy, data, and logic. They tend to be cautious, detail-oriented, and prefer to work independently.

The Social Styles model suggests that understanding one's own Social Style and recognizing the Social Styles of others can improve communication, collaboration, and effectiveness in various interpersonal and professional contexts. By adapting one's approach to accommodate different Social Styles, individuals can enhance relationships, resolve conflicts, and achieve better outcomes.

The work of Dr. Reid and Dr. Merrill has also informed some of the diagnostic criteria in the form of the aforementioned questionnaire. The present test is intended for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and the present IDRlabs Interactional Style Test are independent from the above authors, researchers, or any affiliated institutions.

The Interactional Style Test is based on a well-known model of Social Styles. However, free online tests and quizzes such as this one are solely first takes and cannot provide accurate assessments of your specific emotional or relationship status. Hence, the test is intended to be used for educational purposes only. A definitive assessment can be made only by a qualified professional.

As the publishers of this free online Interactional Style test, which allows you to screen yourself for the characteristics of each style, we have strived to make the test as reliable and valid as possible by subjecting this test to statistical controls and validation. However, free online quizzes such as the present Interactional Style Test do not provide professional assessments or recommendations of any kind; the test is provided entirely “as-is.” For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.