The Stimulus Value of the TAT

Abstract
Ratings of all 30 TAT cards were obtained from 34 male and 40 female college students on the following 10 bipolar, adjectival scales: accepting-rejecting, aggressive-passive, dependent-independent, happy-sad, hopeful-hopeless, impulsive-controlled, pleasant-unpleasant, safe-dangerous, severe-lenient, and sexy-sexless. The results of the ratings indicate that the cards vary considerably as to their ambiguity, i.e., the number of scales which consistently describe the picture. Further, the stimulus properties of some cards are such that it is likely they will “pull” negatively-toned stories. It is suggested that in evaluating stories given to the TAT cards, the interpretation should be made only in light of the stimulus value of the particular card.

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