A graphic analysis bender gestalt test

The present study used a computer system to digitize Bender Gestalt Test (BGT) protocols. This digitizing approach, although performed by the computer, can be likened to (a) taking a grid at 1/100th inch resolution; (b) placing the grid over the drawn design; (c) reporting the X,Y coordinates that intersect the lines of the BGT drawing; and (d) developing norms for the drawings. Data were collected from 60 children diagnosed as severely emotionally handicapped and 60 children diagnosed as “normal.” A comparison was made between the computer digitizing method and the traditional method of scoring BGT protocols. The comparison was based on six indices selected from the 1977 Hutt Adience-Abience Scale. Reliability results favored the computer approach. Criterion-related validity was essentially unsuccessful for both computer and traditional scoring methods. Concurrent validity results indicated a limited degree of similarity between the two methods, and the discriminant properties of both methods differed. Results suggest that the digitizing method may offer an alternate and objective approach to BGT analysis.