Interpretive issues with the roberts apperception test for children: Limitations of the standardization group

This study investigated the validity of the Roberts Apperception Test for C hildren (RATC) with an elementary school sample by examining the appropriat eness of the standardization norms with other nonclinical samples. A sample of 86 children, ages 8-11 years, completed the RATC. Analyses revealed tha t the current sample of nonclinical children differed significantly from th e standardization sample on six of the eight Adaptive Scales and three of t he five Clinical Scales. Findings suggest that the children in this study f orm a separate and distinct group from the well-adjusted children upon whic h the RATC scales were normed and supports previous research that suggests the standardization of the RATC is inadequate. The current findings strongl y suggest that the norms for the RATC not be used for clinical diagnosis un til restandardization is completed. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.