Experimental Evaluation of Sensitivity Training

Abstract

This study was undertaken to: (1) determine whether significant behavioral changes occur as a result of sensitivity training, and (2) compare the effectiveness of three sensitivity training group time patterns: spaced (an average of 30 hours spaced over a period of approximately lo weeks), massed (an average of 24 hours in one continuous training session), and a combination (a weekend, with 10 hours spent in training, followed by five two-hour sessions once a week and terminating with another weekend). Behavioral changes were measured by individually constructed rating scales. The criterion scores included self, trainer, and group member ratings, as well as an independent assessment by outsiders who knew the individual well. Experimental subjects showed more rated behavioral change (p < .oi) than did control group subjects at the conclusion of training and after a three-month follow-up period. The data also indicate at the short post that the combination pattern of time was more effective than the spaced pattern, but no inter-pattern differences were significant at the three-month follow-up.