Explorations in the Taxonomy of Behavior Settings Analysis of Dimensions and Classification of Settings ~

Two studies are reported which examine the entire population o f behavior settings (N = 455) measured on 43 variables in a small midwestern town. Study I reports the results o f a factor analysis o f 43 variables measured across the entire population o f settings. Results o f Study I indicate that age, sex, role o f setting inhabitants, duration, and various behavior patterns all constitute important underlying dimensions o f behavior settings. Study 11 reports the results o f a cluster analysis o f the 455 settings which yielded 12 distinct behavior setting types. Implications o f the present study for (a) the phenomenon o f personenvironment congruence, (b ) a theory o f community settings, and (e) research on community-based social settings were discussed.