Developing the systems-centered functional subgrouping questionnaire-2

Functional subgrouping is the Systems-Centered (SCT) method for discriminating and integrating differences between and within group members in SCT group work. In this 3-phase study, we developed the Functional Subgrouping Questionnaire-2 (FSQ-2) and tested whether it discriminates groups that use functional subgrouping from those that do not. In phase I, we created the instrument itself using Guttman scaling. In phase II, we piloted the 9-item FSQ-2 on 8 SCT groups (n = 106) to determine whether it was sensitive to predicted differences in how SCT groups with varying levels of experience used functional subgrouping. After analysis, the scale was shortened by eliminating low-frequency group events and improving readability. In phase III, we tested this revised 7-item FSQ-2 to see whether it discriminated between members in SCT groups (n = 177) and non-SCT groups (n = 469); we administered it to 29 non-SCT groups representing 8 other theoretical orientations, and 7 SCT groups. Results showed the FSQ-2 discriminated between SCT and non-SCT groups as well as between SCT group members with more or less SCT experience. The FSQ-2 may be useful in training SCT leaders and in outcome studies for discriminating between groups that use functional subgrouping and groups that do not.