Ratio scaling of TAT need for achievement through application of a paired comparisons method, with a test of internal consistency

D. P. Goff, J. S. Uleman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A method for ratio scaling of projective personality variables was devised and tested in two studies, using the TAT and achievement motivation (n Ach). In Exp. I, 4 judges made direct ratio estimates of relative n Ach in all possible pairs of 8 subjects' TAT protocols (28 pairs). In Exp. II, 3 judges used the same procedure to estimate relative n Ach for all pairs of TAT stories told to the same card, rather than for four story protocols (112 pairs). Ratio scale values correlated with traditional n Ach scoring between .86 and .91 in Exp. I, and .90 and .95 in II. The protocols represented two criterion groups with different n Ach. Ratio scores from Exp. II, but not from I, differentiated these groups as well as traditional scoring. A model was developed for testing the internal consistency of judges' ratio estimates, based on Comrey's work. It showed over 90% of the ratio estimates' variance accounted for by the linearity assumptions of the ratio scaling model. Advantages and problems in using the ratio scaling method were discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)911-919
Number of pages9
JournalPerceptual and motor skills
Volume37
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1973

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
  • Sensory Systems

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