Interrater Reliability of the Koppitz Developmental Scoring Method in the Clinical Evaluation of the Single Case

Abstract

Using the Koppitz method, Bender-Gestalt protocols of three patients (8-12 yr.), representing three commonly occurring disorders, and of one normal child were evaluated by 12 raters of varying experience with this system. Raters were asked to make provisional diagnoses based on Bender protocols alone, and these were compared with actual clinical diagnoses. Despite significant interrater reliability of Koppitz Total Developmental Scores and emotional indices, no significant agreement was found in subscores or in diagnoses made, although the effect of raters' experience was noted. Results suggest that the type of dysfunction present is a factor in raters' reliability. Results are seen, however, to support the potential of the Bender-Gestalt for use in relatively subtle diagnosis of children and highlight the differentiation of "organic" versus "developmental" factors as an area for further study.