Charles R. Potkay

The Adjective Generation Technique: An Alternative to Adjective Check Lists:

A recently developed Adjective Generation Technique for evaluating favorability of self-description was introduced as an alternative to standardized adjective check lists. Preliminary estimates of test-retest reliability (r = .74) and construct validity (r = .53) for the technique were reported. The comparative utility of the procedure over that of the Gough Adjective Check List was discussed.

Teaching Abnormal Psychology Concepts Using Popular Song Lyrics

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Perceptions of Female and Male Comic Strip Characters II: Favorability and Identification are Different Dimensions.

Identification ratings of 20 daily newspaper comic strip characters replicated a prediction that male characters would elicit greater identification than female characters, even though previous research had reported the favorability of Adjective Generation Technique (AGT) descriptions for female characters to be equivalent to or greater than that for male characters depending upon primary or secondary familiarity. Significant interaction findings affirming greater same-sex identification by both male and female subjects occurred within a context of significantly greater same-sex and lesser cross-sex identifications on the part of male subjects.

The Role of Personal History Data in Clinical Judgment: A Selective Focus

Summary More than 30 studies dealing with the role of personal history data as a source of information in clinical judgment and related contexts are reviewed and evaluated. Evidence is consistent with the conclusion that personal history data is at least if not more effective than projective and objective test sources of information for purposes of personality description and prediction in experimental settings. Support for a more intensive and molecular focus on personal history data and specific component items is indicated. Personal history data may represent the primary source of inference for psychologists in clinical work. The question is raised as to whether clinical psychologists have been sufficiently responsive to and informed of basic research applications that might serve to improve professional effectiveness in clinical as well as research settings.