Projective Methods in Psychology

Abstract

Projective techniques is a term that encompasses any test or procedure designed to increase insight into individuals by allowing them to respond freely to ambiguous stimuli. The underlying assumption is that, when faced with unstructured or ambiguous stimuli, people will reveal aspects of their personality in their attempt to structure the material. Perhaps the most commonly used projective techniques are the Rorschach, the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), figure drawings, and sentence completion tests. The Rorschach consists of a set of inkblots to which the respondent provides responses. It is most commonly scored by the Exner system, and seems to provide information that is different from that provided by more structured personality tests. The TAT consists of a set of pictures to which the respondent tells stories. It usually is interpreted qualitatively, although extensive scoring systems have been devised. It is most useful when the pictures are consistent with the area being investigated. Figure drawings is an approach in which the respondent draws pictures of various objects; the evidence for validity is rather dubious. Sentence completion tests consist of stems of sentences that the respondent is asked to provide completions for.