This paper outlines the development of techniques for computer-based personality assessment from sentence completions. The One-Word Sentence Completion (OWSC) instrument was designed to elicit data suitable for machine processing, while retaining most of the advantages of a free-response format. Two operative scoring systems are described. The first employs a "dictionary" of 4366 weignted response words to yield 25 scores from a 90-item OWSC form. The second system utilizes a complex word-root data reduction procedure and a bank of 892 generic roots to produce scores for 40 variables. Initial reliability data and normative sex differences are reported, and future development of the technique is discussed. (Author/DLG)