Examined generalizability of social-skills and social-anxiety global ratings made by judges trained in six different experimental laboratories. Found moderate degrees of generalizability across laboratories for the social-skills and social-anxiety ratings based on brief role plays. For more extended interaction, obtained moderate generalizability…

It appears from this study that volunteers may be largely self-selected in regard to social skills, and further training may not be necessary. The study thus lends some support to those who have argued that the success of nonprofessionals has much to do with their natural'' social skills. (Author)