Traits as Situational Sensitivities: Psychometric and Substantive Comments on the TASS Model Proposed by Marshall and Brown (2006)

Marshall and Brown (2006) proposed a Traits as Situational Sensitivities (TASS) Model that implies a systematic person x situation interaction. We review this model and show that it suffers from several limitations. We extend and modify the model in order to obtain a symmetric pattern of levels and effects for both person and situation factors. Our extension reveals striking similarities with the Rasch model. Based on the symmetric nature of our modified TASS model, we generalize the concept of weak and strong situations to individuals and propose the concepts of weak and strong persons. Finally, we discuss psychological mechanisms that might explain the TASS pattern and offer ideas for future research.