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Projective and non-projective aspects of diagnostic techniques
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THEMA 2 P R O J E C T I V E A N D N O N - P R O J E C T I V E ASPECTS OF DIAGNOSTIC T E C H N I Q U E S ALFRED REISS New York 40, N.Y. (USA)
The crudely oversimplified distinction between "projective" techniques (e.g. Rorschach or T.A.T.) and "non-projective" methods (like intelligence or aptitude tests) hampered the development of effective rationales. Operational and phenomenological research suggests that each and every diagnostic tool contains both "projective" and "non-projective" valences which are responded to by a corresponding dichotomy of sets on the part of the subject and the diagnostician. Therefore diagalostic findings are achieved by an interplay of sets and valences as part of the transactional relationship between the subject, the diagnostic tools, and the diagnostician. The "non-projective" or "coping" set of the subject is characterized by a,, prevalence of secondary processes hence by the emphasis upon field or task orientation, the use of rational "anticipatory schemata" (Selz), by "convergent" (Guilford) problem-solving attitudes and by' little personality-involvement except for a steadily maintained achievement component. A medium psychic distance without too great variations is ideal All in all, there is ego-dominance and an emphasis on unambiguous problem-solving. The "projectivity" set can be best conceptualized as some form of "acting out" in a variety of media. Primary processes prevail; therefore projectivity thrives upon empathy, spontaneity, "physiognomic" (Heinz Werner) identification and"divergent" responses. Except for very young children, "projectivity" sets require processes of "regression" from secondary to primary orientations. The well-functioning individual achieves this svd.tch by a "suspension of disbelief" (Coleridge) and by processes related to creativity. The psychically impaired individual is partly or totally, at least for the time being, fixated at primary levels. Therefore the capacity to move from secondary to primary levels and vice versa is diagnostically most revealing. Psychic distance varies from extreme closeness to emphasis on distance. - - There was no time for a discussion of the diagnostician's sets and the valences in tools.
THEMA 2 P R O J E C T I V E A N D N O N - P R O J E C T I V E ASPECTS OF DIAGNOSTIC T E C H N I Q U E S ALFRED REISS New York 40, N.Y. (USA)
The crudely oversimplified distinction between "projective" techniques (e.g. Rorschach or T.A.T.) and "non-projective" methods (like intelligence or aptitude tests) hampered the development of effective rationales. Operational and phenomenological research suggests that each and every diagnostic tool contains both "projective" and "non-projective" valences which are responded to by a corresponding dichotomy of sets on the part of the subject and the diagnostician. Therefore diagalostic findings are achieved by an interplay of sets and valences as part of the transactional relationship between the subject, the diagnostic tools, and the diagnostician. The "non-projective" or "coping" set of the subject is characterized by a,, prevalence of secondary processes hence by the emphasis upon field or task orientation, the use of rational "anticipatory schemata" (Selz), by "convergent" (Guilford) problem-solving attitudes and by' little personality-involvement except for a steadily maintained achievement component. A medium psychic distance without too great variations is ideal All in all, there is ego-dominance and an emphasis on unambiguous problem-solving. The "projectivity" set can be best conceptualized as some form of "acting out" in a variety of media. Primary processes prevail; therefore projectivity thrives upon empathy, spontaneity, "physiognomic" (Heinz Werner) identification and"divergent" responses. Except for very young children, "projectivity" sets require processes of "regression" from secondary to primary orientations. The well-functioning individual achieves this svd.tch by a "suspension of disbelief" (Coleridge) and by processes related to creativity. The psychically impaired individual is partly or totally, at least for the time being, fixated at primary levels. Therefore the capacity to move from secondary to primary levels and vice versa is diagnostically most revealing. Psychic distance varies from extreme closeness to emphasis on distance. - - There was no time for a discussion of the diagnostician's sets and the valences in tools.