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  BEHAVIOR IDENTIFICATION FORM

    Any behavior can be described in many ways. For example, one person might describe a behavior as "writing a paper," while another person might describe the same behavior as "pushing keys on the keyboard." Yet another person might describe it as "expressing thoughts." This form focuses on your personal preferences for how a number of different behaviors should be described. Below you will find several behaviors listed. After each behavior will be two different ways in which the behavior might be identified.  

For example:
1. Attending class
     a. sitting in a chair
     b. looking at a teacher

     Your task is to choose the identification, a or b, that best describes the behavior for you. Simply place a checkmark next to the option you prefer. Be sure to respond to every item. Please mark only one alternative for each pair. Remember, mark the description that you personally believe is more appropriate for each pair.

 

1. Making a list
    a. Getting organized*
    b. Writing things down

2. Reading
    a. Following lines of print
    b. Gaining knowledge*

3. Joining the Army
    a. Helping the Nation's defense*
    b. Signing up

4. Washing clothes
    a. Removing odors from clothes*
    b. Putting clothes into the machine

5. Picking an apple
    a. Getting something to eat*
    b. Pulling an apple off a branch

6. Chopping down a tree
    a. Wielding an axe
    b. Getting firewood*

7. Measuring a room for carpeting
    a. Getting ready to remodel*
    b. Using a yard stick

8. Cleaning the house
    a. Showing one's cleanliness*
    b. Vacuuming the floor

9. Painting a room
    a. Applying brush strokes
    b. Making the room look fresh*

10. Paying the rent
    a. Maintaining a place to live*
    b. Writing a check

11. Caring for houseplants
    a. Watering plants
    b. Making the room look nice*

12. Locking a door
    a. Putting a key in the lock
    b. Securing the house*

13. Voting
    a. Influencing the election*
    b. Marking a ballot

14. Climbing a tree
    a. Getting a good view*
    b. Holding on to branches

15. Filling out a personality test
    a. Answering questions
    b. Revealing what you're like*

16. Toothbrushing
    a. Preventing tooth decay*
    b. Moving a brush around in one's mouth

17. Taking a test
    a. Answering questions
    b. Showing one's knowledge*

18. Greeting someone
    a. Saying hello
    b. Showing friendliness*

19. Resisting temptation
    a. Saying "no"
    b. Showing moral courage*

20. Eating
    a. Getting nutrition*
    b. Chewing and swallowing

21. Growing a garden
    a. Planting seeds
    b. Getting fresh vegetables*

22. Traveling by car
    a. Following a map
    b. Seeing countryside*

23. Having a cavity filled
    a. Protecting your teeth*
    b. Going to the dentist

24. Talking to a child
    a. Teaching a child something*
    b. Using simple words

25. Pushing a doorbell
    a. Moving a finger
    b. Seeing if someone's home*

 

* Higher level alternative.

Total score is the sum of higher level alternative choices.

Reference:  Vallacher, R. R., & Wegner, D. M. (1989).  Levels of personal agency: Individual variation in action identification.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 57, 660-671.  (Abstract)