Thematic Apperception Test Personality Assessment
Thematic Apperception Test for Personality Assessment
Karen Y. Long
Park University
Test and Measurement
September 2010
Abstract
The history of the Thematic Apperception Test is controversial. This test was published in 1943 and is still widely used today. Being able to look at a photo card as a stimulus for storytelling was a breakthrough for personality testing. This test has its share of controversy as far as reliability, validity and cultural implications.
Key words; thematic, validity, reliability, personality.
Thematic Apperception Test for Personality Assessment
Personality test has been around for over a century and new ones are still being produced. Two of the most frequently used personality test is the Rorschach Inkblot Test, and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). We will look at the TAT’s origin, content, purpose, structure, administration and scoring guidelines. We will also look at the validity, strengths and weakness, and multicultural aspects of the test.
The Thematic Apperception Test evolved after over decade of work and was finally “published by Henry A. Murray and the Staff of Harvard Psychological Clinic in 1943” (Morgan, 1995). There was a lot of controversy over who the author really was. Christina Morgan was originally cited as the senior author when the Series B cards came out but later removed Morgan, 2002). The test had been through three revisions and had a rough start. The goal of this test is to get a person to respond to indistinct stimuli so their personality could be better understood (Frey). By using this method, the therapist hope one would divulge and emotions that they are not showing and any internal conflicts (Frey).
When the test first was published, it consists of a set of cards with pictures glued to them, mostly of people. Later more cards were created with pictures drawn in preparation for more use. The Series of cards were labeled “A-D’. “Series A” was the original set of cards and were in flux
Karen Y. Long
Park University
Test and Measurement
September 2010
Abstract
The history of the Thematic Apperception Test is controversial. This test was published in 1943 and is still widely used today. Being able to look at a photo card as a stimulus for storytelling was a breakthrough for personality testing. This test has its share of controversy as far as reliability, validity and cultural implications.
Key words; thematic, validity, reliability, personality.
Thematic Apperception Test for Personality Assessment
Personality test has been around for over a century and new ones are still being produced. Two of the most frequently used personality test is the Rorschach Inkblot Test, and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). We will look at the TAT’s origin, content, purpose, structure, administration and scoring guidelines. We will also look at the validity, strengths and weakness, and multicultural aspects of the test.
The Thematic Apperception Test evolved after over decade of work and was finally “published by Henry A. Murray and the Staff of Harvard Psychological Clinic in 1943” (Morgan, 1995). There was a lot of controversy over who the author really was. Christina Morgan was originally cited as the senior author when the Series B cards came out but later removed Morgan, 2002). The test had been through three revisions and had a rough start. The goal of this test is to get a person to respond to indistinct stimuli so their personality could be better understood (Frey). By using this method, the therapist hope one would divulge and emotions that they are not showing and any internal conflicts (Frey).
When the test first was published, it consists of a set of cards with pictures glued to them, mostly of people. Later more cards were created with pictures drawn in preparation for more use. The Series of cards were labeled “A-D’. “Series A” was the original set of cards and were in flux
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