Projective Tests Flashcards
Define projective hypothesis
the way we structure unstructured stimuli is based on our personality
What can projective hypotheses reveal about people?
needs, fears, impulses, conflicts, etc.
How are projective methods administered? How are results analyzed?
Test-taker completes a task that is unstructured or ambiguous
test administrator identifies patterns in these responses indicating aspects of personality
Why use projective techniques?
- difficult to fake
- not verbally loaded like paper and pencil tests
- learn unconscious information you wouldn’t otherwise get
- showcases uniqueness of individuals
Describe the basic projective approach
- present test-taker with ambigious/incomplete stimuli
- ask test-taker to describe stimuli
- record as much info as possible about responses (including nonverbal behavior, reaction time, and any other observable behaviors)
- analyze/interpret responses based on a scoring system (typically care about themes, patterns, or symbolism)
True or False: You can compare projective item responses to normative data
True (usual vs unusual responses)
What is the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)? What is a key component of the TAT?
Similar to Rorschach - uses pictures and asks respondent to describe what’s going on in them
(in class: the man and woman picture we evaluated with partners)
The pictures have people in them
True or false: The analysis of test results for the Rorschach Test and the Thematic Apperception Test are similar. Explain why yes or no.
True!
Both look for themes, focus on the whole image or details, and Murray’s concept of needs/implicit motives
How are pictures used in other projective tests?
Test-taker creates a picture instead. Typically instructed to draw a person but it can be other stimuli (tree, family) then discuss details of drawing/reasons for certain characteristics
Usually assumed the figure is symbolic
What does sentence completion look like?
As it sounds. Asking pretty directly about needs, values, concerns, etc.
Themes once again analyzed
What are the pros and cons of sentence completion projective tests?
Pros:
- good inter-scorer reliability
- good validity
Cons:
- potentially faking since the prompts are pretty transparent
- long answers, conflict, negative self/world views can be
Describe details of word/free association test.
- Speed of reaction emphasized
- Attempt to minimize self-presentation or self-editing because of quickness
- use of emotionally loaded or neutral words.
Why is there controversy about projective tests?
- they make biggggg assumptions
- every response has meaning. Every. Response.
- most assumptions do no have empirical backing - cannot test them
- Examiner/administrator affects the process
-psychometrics not always applicable
