The effect of audio tape recording of TAT stories as compared to traditional recording procedures.

Abstract

The purpose of the present research endeavor was to determine what effect the use of an audio tape recorder would have on quantifiable results of a clinical test in a clinical testing situation. It was hypothesized that there would be no significant detrimental effects resulting from the use of audio tape recording equipment when compared to hand recording procedures in the administration of the TAT. It was also hypothesized that audio tape recorded TAT stories would be found to be significantly more spontaneous, lengthier, and more descriptive than TAT stories which were hand recorded. Comparisons were also made to determine if significant differences existed in stories produced in Session #1 as compared to Session #2, and if significant differences existed in stories produced by men as compared to stories produced by women. The sample was comprised of 22 females and 8 males who were currently enrolled in Introduction to Psychology classes at Emporia State University. The results suggested that the use of an audio tape recorder did not have a detrimental effect upon the production of TAT stories. Audio tape recorded stories were found to be significantly more spontaneous (as measured by words per minute) (e<.~5) than hand written (by the test administrator) stories. It was also revealed that stories produced in Session #2 had significantly greater values for the number of words (E<.~1), the number of adjectives (E<.~1), and the elapse t me (E<.05) criteria. Comparisons of stories produced by males as compared to females revealed that stories produced by females were less spontaneous (as measured by elapse time) than stories produced by mal s (~<.~5).