Computer-administered testing with the Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank

Abstract

Despite studies finding relatively small differences between computer and traditional methods of administering objective personality and cognitive measures, no similar format equivalence research has been done for projective personality measures. The present study compares two groups of college students' responses to either a traditional administration or a computer administration of the Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank (ISB). No differences were found for subject characteristics of age or gender. The groups receiving different forms of administration differed on the ISB maladjustment score, a global index of psychological difficulties, with the computer administration group exhibiting fewer test signs of maladjustment than the traditional administration group. However, differences between the two forms were small and nonsignificant after adjusting for attitudes towards computers. The findings suggested that computer ISB administration was likely to yield a similar level of disclosure as the traditional ISB administration when nonclinical levels of maladjustment are present. Suggestions are made for further research, including the use of contrasting samples and additional projective instruments.