Measurement of Rigidity, a Non-Verbal Test

Abstract

This paper describes the construction and validation of a nonverbal test of rigidity (the BRT). Test items are 15 pairs of visual stimuli differing with respect to the laws of Praegnanz. Standardization on 132 students in undergraduate psychology courses indicated the necessity of separate norms for males and females. Three validation studies, employing the method of contrasted groups, established the ability of the BRT to differentiate “more rigid” from “less rigid” groups. Both odd-even and Kuder-Richardson (Form. 20) reliability coefficients were calculated, yielding values of .78, and .98, respectively. It was recommended that the use of the BRT be restricted to research purposes until studies in progress are completed.