Thematic Apperception Testing across Cultures: Tests of Selection versus Tests of Inclusion

Abstract

A review of international and local research on projective personality testing across cultures is given. It is concluded that thematic apperception tests have been used more frequently, and the possible reasons for this are discussed. Features common to the adaptations of various projective techniques for cross-cultural use are pointed out, and discussed in terms of a distinction between the more traditional ‘tests of inclusion’ and the more recent ‘tests of selection’ that are useful in cross-cultural testing contexts. The conclusion is drawn that this reconceptualization elucidates a centrally important aspect of testing across cultures, namely, the transmission of meanings.