Psychological Projective Tests to Determine Differences in Perception

Projective psychological tests provide undefined stimuli such as ink blots to a person who then defines the image and it's meaning according to his own perception. The person's perception is based on his own conscious or unconscious fears, desires, needs, conflicts, impulses and personal response. Projective tests, therefore, are very revealing in terms of personality traits and mental status.

Inkblots

• Rorschach inkblots have been used for projective testing since the early 1900s. Created by Hermann Rorschach, these tests typically include 10 bilaterally symmetric inkblot cards consisting of five black and white inkblots, two white and red inkblots and three inkblots of several colors. Initially, the administrator of the test asks "What might this be?" and records the response. Later, further probing is done such as "How do you see..." Assessment is based on patterns of response and any recurrent themes.

Thematic Apperception Test

• Psychologists may use another projective perception assessment known as the thematic apperception test whereby the subject needs to make up a story when shown a card with a picture on it of a person in different settings. This test will provide clues about a person's view of himself, others and the world in general. Attention is paid to the subject's demeanor and emotional reactions in addition to the content of her stories.

Word Association and Sentence Completion Tests

• Designed by Rapaport, Gill and Schafer (1946), the word association test is another projective assessment to determine perception. This test consists of 60 words. The administrator of the test states a word and the subject responds as quickly as possible with the first word thought in response. Sentence completion tests such as "I like to..." reveals information about the subject's about interests, anxieties, aspirations, needs and conflicts.

Figure Drawings

• Figure drawing tests may involve asking subjects to draw a man, a woman and themselves. Psychologists interpret the drawings to determine traits such as aggression, the nature of relationships, and whether the subject is introverted or extroverted. The kinetic family drawing requires the subject to draw a picture of his family doing some activity. The administrator asks the subject to explain his drawings for further psychological assessment and to determine the subject's perception.