Problems of validation inherent in projective methods.

Abstract

PREADING with the rapidity of a virulent infection is the use of a large array S of clinical devices which are loosely labelled "projective techniques." These are, in short, devices to obtain from a patient or research subject "what he can not or will not" disclose directly about his private world of preoccupations, feelings, attitudes, and the meanings that his inner and outer world have for him. They are devices which, a t their best, aim to tap in action the very processes by which and the patterns through which an individual selects and organizes his life experiences. They throw light on his areas of sensitivity or vulnerability, and his methods of defense. There has developed a mushrooming literature on such devices which includes the use of spontaneous drawing, painting, modeling, writing, psychodrama, and voice productions, as well as those using standard stimulus equipment, such as Rorschach ink blots, Stern clouds, Murray pictures, play materials, etc.

Construct validity in psychological tests

“…Similarly '\Ve can use many methods in constrnct validation. Attention should particnlarly be dra\.vn to Macfarlane's survey of these methods as they apply to projective devices ( 41) .…”

Chapter IV: Educational Measurements

“…Vernon (181) has proposed a matching method for validating projective material which deserves further trial and refinement. MacFarlane (117) and Kelly and Fiske (99), among others, have also discussed the problem of validation. Cronbach (36, 37) has dealt with problems of statistical method in handling the results of projective testing.…”

Projective Methods in the Study of Personality

“…Macfarlane (84) has criticized projective methods from the point of view of their validity. Macfarlane (84) has criticized projective methods from the point of view of their validity.…”