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A new objectively scored version of the Defence Mechanism Test
Author(s) -
COOPER COLIN,
KLINE PAUL
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1467-9450
pISSN - 0036-5564
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-9450.1989.tb01085.x
Subject(s) - psychology , test (biology) , mechanism (biology) , construct validity , construct (python library) , perception , test validity , sample (material) , identification (biology) , scale (ratio) , social psychology , psychometrics , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , cognitive psychology , computer science , paleontology , philosophy , chemistry , botany , physics , epistemology , chromatography , quantum mechanics , neuroscience , biology , programming language
Kragh's Defence Mechanism Test has proved its worth in a number of applied settings but has hitherto required skilled time‐consuming interpretation. Two studies are reported which validate an “objectively scored” version of the test developed using G‐analysis. In the first, it was found that this version of the test could successfully predict the performance of trainee pilots. The second study examined the construct validity of this version of the test. It was found that the predictive factor from Study I re‐emerged within a sample of students, where it correlated positively with scores on a test of perceptual defence and the Shrewdness (N) scale of the 16PF, and negatively with two of the identification scales of the Defence Mechanism Test. This factor was tentatively identified as one of general defensiveness. It is concluded that this form of the test deserves consideration when selecting individuals for stressful occupations.