projective test

n. Any of numerous personality tests which consist of a fixed set of stimuli such as inkblots, pictures, incomplete sentences, or words to which responses are solicited. The underlying assumption is that subjects project the form of their personality into their responses, which can be analyzed to understand the personality of the subject. Projective tests include the Rorschach and Holtzman inkblot tests, the Thematic Apperception Test, the Children's Apperception Test, the incomplete sentences blank, and numerous word association tests. Projective tests are difficult to standardize and have doubtful reliability and therefore validity although they are widely used.