PROJECTIVE TECHNIQUES AND THE THEORY OF ACTION

The interpretation of projective tests is approached from an action or existentialist framework, & a summary of res which suggests that the stability of the Rorschach performance is more apparent than real & that radically diff kinds of performance can be easily elicited is presented. The interpretation is put forward that the Rorschach performance does not `emanate' from character, but rather must be regarded as action establishing character or self. Such action relates to a soc situation which contains normative elements defining appropriate alternatives both for conformative & deviant orientations. An `action' psychol is contrasted with a `motivation' psychol & it is concluded that the former is more appropriate for dealing with the question of human changeability since it sees freedom & indeterminism rather than structure & fixity at the heart of the situation of action. AA.