We shall not attempt to summarise the results of research carried out by ourselves and others into situations, but rather we shall address ourselves to a number of general issues.

The classification and analysis of situations

Although we initially expressed some scepticism about the value of dimensional analysis of situations, two of the dimensions that have arisen from these studies have appeared in the form of main divisions in our cluster analyses, based on various features. These are task–social, and casual–intimate or involved. When we have analysed situations into types, using cluster analysis, only a limited number of basic types have appeared. Some of these are as follows, though the list could be extended further:

1. formal social events

2. intimate encounters with close friends or relations

3. casual encounters with acquaintances

4. formal encounters in shops and offices

5. asymmetrical social-skills occasions (e.g. teaching, interviewing, supervision)

6. negotiation and conflict

7. group discussion

Are the features which we initially proposed sufficient, and are they all necessary? There is one more feature which might be added to some situations, and this is emotional atmosphere, for we have found that emotional expression is part of the rules in situations such as weddings and parties. When using our set of features in situational social-skills training we have found that certain features are most useful: goal structure, rules, skills to overcome difficulties.