Draw-a-Person test

Draw-a-Person Test

A child's drawing used in the Draw-a-Person Test

The Draw-a-Person Test is a psychological projective personality or cognitive test used to evaluate children and adolescents. It is based on the premise that the way a person draws a human figure can reveal significant information about their personality, emotional state, and cognitive development.

History

The Draw-a-Person Test was first developed by Florence Goodenough in 1926 as a non-verbal measure of intelligence for children. Goodenough's original test was known as the "Draw-a-Man Test" and was later expanded and revised by other psychologists to include drawings of both genders and to assess various psychological traits.

Methodology

In the Draw-a-Person Test, the subject is asked to draw a person on a blank sheet of paper. The instructions are typically simple, such as "Draw a person." After completing the drawing, the subject may be asked to draw additional figures, such as a person of the opposite sex or a self-portrait.

The drawings are then analyzed based on various criteria, including the size of the figures, the presence or absence of body parts, the level of detail, and the overall composition. These elements are interpreted to provide insights into the subject's cognitive abilities, emotional state, and personality traits.

Interpretation

The interpretation of the Draw-a-Person Test can vary depending on the theoretical framework used by the psychologist. Some common interpretations include:

• Cognitive Development: The level of detail and accuracy in the drawing can indicate the child's cognitive development and intellectual maturity.
• Emotional State: The emotional tone of the drawing, such as the use of colors and the expression of the figures, can provide clues about the child's emotional well-being.
• Personality Traits: Certain features in the drawing, such as the size of the figures or the emphasis on specific body parts, can suggest personality traits or psychological issues.

Criticisms

The Draw-a-Person Test has been criticized for its subjective nature and the lack of standardized scoring systems. Critics argue that interpretations can be highly variable and dependent on the psychologist's biases. Despite these criticisms, the test remains a popular tool in clinical settings due to its simplicity and non-intrusive nature.

Related Pages

• Projective test
• Florence Goodenough
• Child development
• Psychological testing