projective test
1
8.3
- noun
- /prəˈdʒɛktɪv tɛst/
- Specialized
:
test proyectivo
- On a projective test, such as the TAT, we might look at pictures and tell a story based on that, which is then used to glean some insight into our psyche.
Examples
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In a projective test, participants must interpret ambiguous images to reveal their underlying thoughts and feelings.
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The exercise was designed as a projective test that would reveal individual participants' pay-for-performance norms.
Academic text (1995) -
Approach it more as a projective test and less like a medical exam.
Blog text (27) -
As the home tree person drawing test is a projective test, it was interpreted by two researchers.
Academic text (2009) -
For example, Atkinson's (1958) need achievement theory relies on a projective test, the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), to measure personal motivation to achieve success or avoid failure.
Academic text (1992) -
The therapist used a projective test to help the patient uncover hidden emotions during their sessions.
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Results from the projective test showed that she had a strong desire for social connection and approval.
Synonyms
3
2.8
A test that shows what kind of person someone is
1
4.2
A test with questions to find out how a person thinks, feels, and behaves
A test that asks people to say what unclear pictures or situations show to reveal hidden feelings
A method in psychology where people describe unclear pictures to show hidden feelings
How Revealing
- Specialized
3
8.5
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
8.3
- Specialized
1
8.3
- Specialized
57
3.2
- Specialized
49
3.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase combines 'projective' (relating to projecting/representing) with 'test' (an assessment), so a learner can infer it is some kind of assessment involving projection of inner content. However, the specific psychological meaning—that responses to ambiguous stimuli reveal hidden emotions and motives—is specialized and metaphorical and not fully predictable from the constituents, so a B1 learner would likely not derive the full sense without prior exposure.
Etymology
Projective test comes from the idea of project — to put your own feelings onto something else. In these tests a person looks at an unclear picture like an inkblot and 'projects' their thoughts and emotions onto it, so the test can 'reveal' hidden feelings.