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A comparison of three methods for scoring figure drawings
Journal of Personality Assessment
|June 1, 1984
Summary
Three methods for scoring figure drawings were analyzed. Physical size and body concept ratings each represent one factor, while conventionality scoring reveals eight distinct factors for comprehensive analysis.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Human Development
Background:
- Figure drawing analysis is a common psychological assessment tool.
- Existing scoring systems vary widely in their approach and interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate three distinct methods for scoring figure drawings.
- To determine the underlying factors and comprehensiveness of each scoring method.
Main Methods:
- Scored drawings from 758 male medical students using three methods: physical size (Method I), body concept sophistication (Method II), and conventionality (Method III).
- Performed factor analyses on scores from each method.
Main Results:
- Methods I and II each yielded a single, uncorrelated factor.
- Method III (conventionality scoring) produced eight meaningful factors representing independent areas of conventionality/deviancy.
- An overall conventionality/deviancy score was also calculated.
Conclusions:
- Physical size and body concept ratings capture limited, distinct aspects of figure drawings.
- Conventionality scoring offers a more nuanced analysis with multiple independent factors.
- A comprehensive figure drawing analysis requires utilizing all three scoring methods to capture maximum variance.