Projective Tests

In psychology, projective tests are evaluation instruments that show people unclear items and ask them to interpret or construct narratives around them. The Rorschach inkblot and the Thematic Apperception tests (TAT) are two common examples.

Projective tests are based on the theory that people would project their unconscious sentiments, thoughts, and wishes onto their interpretations of ambiguous stimuli, like pictures or inkblots. Psychologists seek to understand a person's social behaviour, thoughts, feelings, and any internal conflicts by examining these answers.

Based on the theory that people project their unconscious feelings onto ambiguous stimuli, the answers reflect underlying emotions, desires, and conflicts.