A measure of time perspective with the TAT and some issues of reliability

In an effort to duplicate high interrater reliability coefficients reported in the use of Epley and Ricks' (1963) time orientation scoring system with the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), two pairs of judges and two different training procedures were employed. Reliability coefficients considerably lower than those quoted by other researchers were found. One method of using the system was to have judges discuss scoring differences during training and at various times during a research project until perfect agreement was reached. When used as an adjunct with periodic assessment' of reliability as judges scored a large number of stories, reliability coefficients within a range acceptable for research purposes were obtained. This procedure is presented with correlational evidence for the presence of the time factor that the scoring system purports to measure.