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Curriculum: Inkblots
Lessons cover such topics as brain structure and function, how we learn, how we perceive the world around us, the biology of drug dependency decision making and health-related choices.
Concept:
Some psychologists use inkblot tests to help them assess the personality of their patients.
Objectives:
1. Students will analyze several inkblots and describe what they see.
2. Students will evaluate their responses using methods similar to those employed by psychologists.
3. Students will learn more about their own personalities.
4. Students will make their own set of inkblots to try on friends and family.
Step 1
Ask student to examine the inkblot below for 15-20 seconds. Students should quickly write down what they "see" in the inkblot or what it represents to them. Jot down what feature makes it look like the thing they see. Take less than a minute and go with the first impression. |
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| Step 2 | |
| Have students evaluate and discuss their responses. Remind the class that psychologists only pay attention to what patients actually write down, not what they think about or see later. Psychologists look at where the image the patient sees is located on the inkblot. For example, if the image is to the right of center, the patient may focus on the future. An image to the left may mean the patient focuses on the past. If you image is in the center, the patient may be focused on the present. Most people see images in the dark areas; if the image is seen in the white spaces, the person is probably an unusual and creative thinker. Responses involving lots of color may suggest an impulsive, emotional personality with lots of ups and downs. Seeing lots of people, or things with human characteristics such as lips, smiles and personalities suggest a very social personality with a great interest in other people. Moving objects indicate a lively and active imagination. The combination of lots of movement and lots of people generally go together and increase with age. This combination is believed to indicate the person is well organized, has a good imagination and a strong sense of who they are. Seeing a lot of plants or animals indicates a love of nature. Seeing lots of abstract ideas such as love, joy and freedom may mean the person likes dealing with ideas more than concrete items. And if the person sees food, he or she probably likes to take care of people or be taken care of (or maybe they are just hungry!). Remember, this test is only for fun. |
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