Effects of Instructions to Subjects on Draw-a-Person as a Measure of Ethnic Identity

Abstract

Draw-A-Person was used to measure ethnic identify in 134 Nigerian (Yoruba) school children. The instructions “draw yourself” were used in preference to the usual instructions to draw a person. A higher ethnic identity based on color was expressed in this study than in a previous Nigerian study with different instructions. Interpretations were based on possible effects of instructions on subjects. The implications for the use of Draw-A-Person to measure ethnic identity were discussed with reference to different racial contexts.