Quantitative Analyses of Biographies of Political Figures

Abstract

Fifteen male and female undergraduate judges rated 15 historical and political figures from selected biographies, using a survey instrument originally developed to investigate currently active leader behavior. The instrument's rating scales were previously shown to possess adequate internal consistency reliability; the present study showed that their application to the rating of biographies resulted in good interrater profile agreement. Further confirmation came from a factor analysis of the judges' ratings. Six clusters were identified: I. Autocratic-Submissive; II. Trustworthy Subordinates; III. Clear Orderly Relationships; IV. Structured and Sensitive to External Influences; V. Satisfying Differential Power; VI. Equalitarian, Analytic, and Constrained. The method was judged suitable for further quantitative analysis of any desired segment of history for further understanding of the persons, situations, and behaviors displayed.