Chapter 14

Question 1

What are the two key features of a projective test?

Answer 1

• Test items are somewhat ambiguous stimuli
• Use a constructed-response format

This contrasts with objective personality tests that use a selected-response format.

Question 2

Define the projective hypothesis.

Answer 2

If the stimulus for a response is ambiguous, then the response itself will be determined by the examinee’s personality dynamics

Responses reflect the person’s desires, fantasies, inclinations, and fears.

Question 3

Name two principal uses of projective techniques.

Answer 3

• Assessment of individual cases in clinical, counselling & school psychology
• Research

Projective tests receive high rankings in surveys of psychologists’ uses.

Question 4

List the indicators for the use of projectives.

Answer 4

• Most projectives don’t require reading
• More difficult to fake than objective personality inventories
• Allow for development of a broad range of hypotheses about personality dynamics

Useful when psychologists have little initial basis for judging a client’s difficulty.

Question 5

What are the three general approaches to the administration and scoring of projective techniques?

Answer 5

• Formal scoring
• Informal use
• Holistic/impressionistic use

These approaches vary in their rigor and outcomes.

Question 6

What is the Rorschach Inkblot Test known for?

Answer 6

Most widely used projective technique

It consists of 10 bilaterally symmetrical blots.

Question 7

What are the two phases of administration for the Rorschach test?

Answer 7

• Response phase (free association phase)
• Inquiry phase

Each phase has specific scoring components.

Question 8

What does the coding system for the Rorschach protocol include?

Answer 8

• Total number of responses (R)
• Primary coding categories
• Ratios, percentages & derivations
• Constellations

These categories help interpret the responses.

Question 9

What are the major coding categories in the Rorschach test?

Answer 9

• Location codes
• Determinants
• Popular responses
• Special scores (e.g., Morbid, Aggressive)

These categories help identify unusual features of responses.

Question 10

What is the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) primarily used for?

Answer 10

Second most widely used projective technique

It consists of 30 cards, with 29 containing pictures.

Question 11

What are the problems associated with the Thematic Apperception Test?

Answer 11

• Not standardized
• Subjective interpretation of results
• Unreliable

Variability in administration and scoring procedures complicates generalizations.

Question 12

What does the Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank (RISB) consist of?

Answer 12

• 40 incomplete sentences or stems

It measures adjustment and yields one score: the Overall Adjustment Score.

Question 13

What is the Human Figure Drawing (HFD) technique used for?

Answer 13

• Assessment of personality
• Intelligence
• Neuropsychological dysfunction

DAP is the most widely used form of HFD.

Question 14

What are the three factors influencing the future use of projective techniques?

Answer 14

• Training of psychologists
• Influence of managed care
• Demand for objective scoring, norms, and psychometric quality

Exploratory use of projective techniques remains significant.