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Incomplete Sentence Blank (ISB)

Author and year

The “Incomplete Sentence Blank" (ISB) test is a psychological assessment tool
developed by David M. Levy in 1959.
Introduction
The Rotter’s Incomplete Sentence Blank (ISB) is a psychological assessment tool
designed to measure various aspects of personality and cognitive functioning. Developed by
David M. Levy in 1959, the ISB is often utilized in clinical and research settings to gain insights
into an individual's cognitive processes, emotional responses, and personality traits.
The ISB consists of a 40 incomplete sentences, to which the respondent is asked to provide
completions. These incomplete sentences are carefully crafted to elicit responses that reflect
underlying psychological constructs such as self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, emotional
regulation, and cognitive style.
The ISB typically covers a wide range of topics, including personal beliefs, attitudes, feelings,
and behaviors. Respondents are instructed to complete each sentence fragment with the first
thought or feeling that comes to mind, providing spontaneous and unfiltered responses. The
content of these responses can then be analyzed to gain a deeper understanding of the
respondent's psychological makeup .One of the key features of the ISB is its ability to capture
both conscious and unconscious aspects of personality. By tapping into spontaneous responses,
the ISB can reveal underlying psychological processes that may not be readily accessible through
other assessment methods.
Objectives
The objectives of the Rational Incomplete Sentence Blank (ISB) revolve around assessing various
aspects of an individual's personality, cognition, and emotional functioning. Here are some key objectives
of the ISB:

1. Personality Assessment: One of the primary objectives of the ISB is to assess different
facets of personality, including traits, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. By examining the
responses to incomplete sentences, psychologists can gain insights into an individual's
personality structure and dynamics.
2. Cognitive Style Evaluation: The ISB aims to evaluate an individual's cognitive style,
including patterns of thinking, problem-solving approaches, and decision-making
processes. Responses to sentence fragments can provide clues about how individuals
process information and perceive their environment.
3. Emotional Regulation and Expression: Another objective of the ISB is to assess
emotional regulation and expression. By analyzing responses to incomplete sentences,
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psychologists can gain insights into how individuals perceive and manage their emotions,
as well as how they express them in various situations.
Overall, the objectives of the ISB encompass a broad range of psychological constructs and
functions, making it a versatile tool for both clinical assessment and research endeavors. By
eliciting spontaneous responses to incomplete sentences, the ISB provides valuable insights into
the complex interplay of personality, cognition, and emotion.
Response Recording
During the administration of the Rational Incomplete Sentence Blank (ISB), the examiner
listens as the participant completes each sentence starter. They may write down the participant's
exact words or summarize them briefly. It's important to capture the responses accurately
without adding any interpretation. The examiner records the completed sentences in a systematic
way, ensuring that each response matches the correct sentence starter. This recorded data forms
the basis for further analysis by psychologists. They examine the responses to gain insights into
the individual's personality traits, cognitive patterns, and emotional tendencies.
Administration
The subject takes time for the test at least 25 minutes. The test was administered in the
distraction free room. All material provided by the examiner. The examiner giver her instructions
according to the manual. The subject follows the instructions. The subject asked several questions
before test. The examiner answers every questions until her confusion was resolved.
Behavior Observation
The subject was neatly dressed up. She was setting on chair comfortably. Her expression
seems like to be curious before the test. During the test her expression were confusing. She showed
cooperative attitude throughout the test
Test material
During the administration of the Rational Incomplete Sentence Blank (ISB), the primary
test material required includes the ISB booklet or form containing the incomplete sentence
starters, along with a pen or pencil for the participant to write or verbally complete the sentences.
Additionally, the examiner may need a recording device or paper to document the participant's
responses accurately. Depending on the administration setting, the examiner may also provide a
quiet and comfortable environment to facilitate the participant's concentration and reflection
while completing the sentences. Overall, the essential test materials for the ISB include the test
form, writing instrument, and a means to record responses, ensuring the smooth conduct of the
assessment process.
Demographic information of the client
Name Z.K
Gender Female
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Age 23
Education BS
No of Siblings 3
Scoring and interpretation
To score the Rational Incomplete Sentence Blank (ISB), examiners use examples provided in
scoring manuals to assign numerical weights ranging from 0 to 6 for each completed sentence.
These weights are then totaled to determine the overall score. The examples in the manual are
derived from responses of college students, spanning from well-adjusted to those needing therapy.
ISB involves assigning numerical weights to completed sentences, as exemplified in scoring
manuals, with each weight totaling to an overall score. The process follows four principles:
1. Omission responses, where no answer or incomplete thoughts are given, are not scored,
although they may indicate areas of potential psychological conflict.
2. Conflict responses indicate maladjustment, graded from C1 to C3 based on severity.
3. Positive responses reflect a healthy or hopeful mindset, with numerical weights assigned
accordingly.
4. Neutral responses, not fitting clearly into other categories, are scored neutrally.
These principles guide the scoring process, ensuring consistency and accuracy in evaluating the
participant's responses.
Quantitative Scoring
Table 1.

Categories Number Value Total

of Responses of Responses
C1 7 4 28
C2 4 5 20
C3 4 6 24
P1 5 2 10
P2 8 1 8
P3 4 0 0
N 6 3 18
O 0 0 0
40 108

Qualitative interpretation
Family Attitude: The subject’s family attitude seems to be good. Her relations with her
family was healthy. Subject was more conscious about her family. She wants to spend more of
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her time in her home with her family. She shared all of her emotions, expectations, difficulties
with her family members. She takes care of her parents and her siblings very much. Subject’s
home atmosphere has to be reported healthy.
Social and Sexual adjustment: Subject takes part in social activity and love to talk with her
friends and class fellows. Positively takes part in her class activity. But in her sexual adjustment
she had neutral thoughts about her opposite sex and same sex. She labeled boys are difficult and
girls are selfish. She had negative impression about girls and boys on her mind.
General Attitude: The subject’s general attitude towards other people that includes family,
friends and other people that was good. She had positive views about that people those are near
to her. She had optimistic approach toward her life. But in certain condition she was feelings
depressed usually related to her college life problems and wants to be alone for some time when
her desire not fulfil at that time. She does not hide her feelings with others she shares everything
with her family and friends.
Character Traits: The subject was very realistic person. She was an optimistic positive
personality. She was very take care of her family and other people. She hates that people who
those are liar. She wants to be organized, managed or lead to every situation that is related to her
class or in home. Sometimes, she felt sad when other people do not understand her opinion. She
wants to know that what other people about her.
Conclusion: For this assessment test it can be concluded that subject obtain score 108 that is
below of 135 score that means the subject has good adjustment level.
Reference
1. Rotter, B.J and Rafferty, E.J(1950). Manual of the Rotter Incomplete Sentence
Blank.New York: The Psychological cooperation.
2. Rajasthan Institute of Skill Building. (2023). About Us. Google. Retrieved from
https://www.example.com/about-us