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The article presents an analysis of variance model specifically designed to analyse intraindividual Q sort patterns. The dimensions presented are used for illustrative purpose and certainly do not preclude the adaptation of the approach to other types of patterning. This set of analyses is but one example of how Q sort data may lead to analyses yielding information about intra-individual personality patterns. The interested personality researcher undoubtedly will think of many sets of assumptions built around different Q sort structures. To the extent that patterns derived in this manner are replicable within specified groups, this approach provides a worthwhile extension of normative measurement.

This study attempts to investigate the relationship between self-ideal discrepancies and adjustment in a specific environment. The Q-technique developed by W. Stephenson was utilized in this study. Two groups of Navy officers, one composed of officers choosing a Navy career, and the other of officers deciding against a Navy career sorted 100 statements, using the Q-sort. One sorting was to describe themselves, another to describe a typical career Navy officer, and another to describe an ideal career Navy officer. For each officer, correlations were computed between item values for each of the three pairings of descriptions. An analysis of variance of item values was also done to compare the groups.