| This research project addresses interrater reliability using a new coding method for the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). The underlying structural components of each TAT story were coded based on the coding of sentence phrases according to Adlerian operational definitions of movement. Codes were used to identify clusters (pure form, cognition, affect, and perspective seeking). Exner's (1996) codes for Rorschach scoring were used to identify determinants (F, FD, M, FM, m, C, C', T, V, and Y) and activity levels {a, p, and not significant (ns)}. Interrater reliability ≥ 80% was successfully demonstrated using percent agreement for the overall project (92%), all clusters (90%), all determinants (95%), all activity levels (86%), pure form cluster (87%), cognition cluster (87%), affect cluster (90%), perspective seeking cluster (96%), determinants F (89%), FD (97%), M (89%), FM (99%), m (96%), C (95%), C' or activity levels a (84%), p (87%), and (98%), T (94%), V (96%), Y (99%), and for ns (87%). Using the more stringent Cohen's kappa, reliability ≥ 70% was obtained for all clusters (73%), all determinants (72%), pure form cluster (75%), cognition cluster (74%), for determinants F (76%), M (71%), FM (88%), Y (85%), and for activity level ns (74%). Thirty-two students volunteered as secondary raters. Raters were divided into three groups based on their experience with psychological tests.;The means of the three groups were compared using a one way ANOVA. There were no significant differences between groups. Results of this study suggest that Rorschach determinants can be used effectively to code TAT protocols when associated with their respective Adlerian operational definitions. Interpretation of the underlying structural components can contribute to the understanding of personality, life style, and the individual's unique movement through life. |
