By We explain everything about a basic psychometric test in recruitment and job selection processes. This evaluates aspects of personality and cognitive abilities.
If you are in the middle of a job search and are preparing for selection processes, it will be very useful to familiarize yourself with some of the techniques used in these scenarios, for example, the Wartegg test.
This is a fairly common test in job interviews, although it is also used in the clinical field. We invite you to explore in this article how it is applied and what points the evaluator will focus on to interpret your graphs.
What is the Wartegg test?
This is a projective technique that seeks to explore personality and cognitive processes in a unique way. This graphic test, developed by Ehrig Wartegg, uses a series of eight boxes, each with a particular stimulus, which the individual completes with drawings.
The basis of the assessment is that by using graphics as a non-verbal method of communication, personal details, feelings and what is in the subconscious of the person carrying it out are revealed.
The results of the exam are associated with the characteristics of the position to which the person is applying, thus outlining how the candidate is able to construct his reality based on his experiences and what he understands as an individual.
What does the Wartegg test measure?
Although it does not assess psychological dimensions directly and specifically, the interpretation of the results provides analysts with valuable information on various areas.
The test investigates aspects such as creativity , social adaptation and the ability to associate, analyze and synthesize, allowing a deeper understanding of the person being evaluated.
Application
This psychometric test is widely used in the field of organizational psychology , both in the development and selection processes of personnel. In combination with other analyses, this evaluation is useful in determining the suitability of a candidate for a specific position.
The test can be administered by clinical or business psychologists, as well as by human resources professionals. It usually takes no more than 30 minutes to complete.
The evaluator presents the task as follows: “Someone started drawing on these eight boxes, but did not finish. Your task is to complete these drawings, integrating what is already present in each one. You do not have to worry about artistic quality. You can choose the order by assigning sequence numbers.”
When the graphs are finished, the applicant must title them, specify the one he or she liked best and which one seemed easier or more difficult. This is a way of knowing the personal evaluation of the task.
How is the Wartegg test interpreted?
This test is useful in psychological assessment, but it must be used in conjunction with other tools, such as an interview , for example. Therefore, the interpretation of the Wartegg test requires a comprehensive and expert approach. In this case, two specific and complementary perspectives are addressed:
- Constitutional analysis: analyzes how constitutional aspects, such as temperament types , thinking styles and emotional areas, are reflected in the drawings made in the paintings.
- Situational analysis: This focuses on how the person performs while taking the test, observing their approach and details that give an immediate idea of their response style and adaptability. For example, following the order could indicate a liking for organization and structure; while changing the sequence would suggest a certain rebelliousness.
When interpreting the test, the evaluator must take into account several factors for a complete and accurate decoding. First, he looks at the way the subject uses space, the type of stroke and the size of his drawings.
On the other hand, pay attention to how the child expresses his or her emotions , which is revealed by the details. Pay attention to the relationships between things or people, to better understand his or her social attitude. In turn, to know how to solve his or her problems , observe whether he or she is able to be creative in completing the tables.
Each of the fields poses a specific challenge that is conveyed through the stimulus presented.
Table 1
Box 1 shows a small dot, located right in the center. This symbol barely provides support for continuing with the drawing. Thus, the person finds themselves at the crossroads of multiple possibilities, which can generate pressure, especially if they do not have a solid self-esteem .
So, this graph represents self-concept , that is, how the person being evaluated sees themselves. When interpreting this space, attention is paid to whether the individual keeps the dot as the center of their own drawing (for example, creating a sun or a flower) or not. The way in which they include (or not) the dot, whether by multiplying it, enlarging it, or leaving it intact, reveals different meanings.
Table 2
On the upper left side you can see a short wavy line. This field evaluates elements of affectivity, such as empathy and sensitivity. Therefore, it is common for those evaluated to choose to draw human figures, animals, or elements related to nature.
Table 3
In the third box, two vertical straight lines can be seen, varying in length, ordered from shortest to longest. They are rigid and monotonous lines, challenging the individual to overcome routine and change the motive. This sector symbolizes ambitions, goals and the desire for improvement, or the lack of it.
Does he choose to extend the lines upwards? Does he deny the stimulus and decide to draw figures unrelated to the desire to progress? These are some of the questions that the evaluator asks himself when analyzing this field.
Table 4
At the beginning of the assessment, in the fourth field, there is only a small dark square in the upper right corner. This is a heavy, low-dynamic and unexpected stimulus, which seeks to awaken a certain level of anxiety, inviting action.
Such a chart often receives special attention, as it reveals how the person deals with work conflicts . From these geometric figures, the expert interprets unconscious thoughts and resources. The answers provide insights into whether the individual deals with problems in a childish, dependent manner , or whether, for example, he or she adopts a strategic and calculating approach.
Table 5
Two perpendicular lines are visualized on the lower left side, and their intersection would create an X. This stimulus then represents an adversity. The drawing in this field helps to understand the candidate’s impulses and the ability to overcome obstacles, as well as the vital energy.
Table 6
In the sixth quadrant, two straight lines are seen separated from each other, although with a clear possibility of joining. One of them is vertical and the other is horizontal. This box measures elements of reasoning, such as the capacity for association, analysis and synthesis.
To interpret this field, the professional asks himself if he integrates the lines in a single graph or makes two or more different drawings? Is there a connection of ideas? Does he associate or synthesize?
Table 7
This is formed by a series of points that create a small curve, suggesting a Y. It evaluates interpersonal attitude , openness, the ability to work in a team and other social skills . On the other hand, it symbolizes sexual maturity.
A relevant aspect of the seventh box is whether the person, when faced with the stimulus, chooses to represent a real, delicate and soft object, such as flowers, fruit or a necklace. Or if, on the contrary, he or she chooses to draw heavy elements, such as a cart wheel, or more conflictive situations, such as a pomegranate.
Table 8
In the eighth space, there is an arch at the top that symbolizes authority. The circular shape projects security and, although it is accepted by the individual, it encourages him to break free from it. In this last quadrant, it is common for the people being evaluated to depict umbrellas, hats, rainbows or a full moon.
The graph offers a clearer view of aspects related to the work area, revealing the ability to commit to a company or institution, as well as compliance with regulations, thereby indicating the degree of autonomy.
One point to note is that some professionals question the validity and reliability of the test, since, as it is a projective test, its decoding is influenced by subjective aspects of the person who administers it.
How to solve it correctly?
If you are about to take the test as part of your psychometric assessment, it is normal that you have doubts about what to draw or how to approach it properly. But the first thing you need to know is that there are no right or wrong answers.
Rather than knowing how well you respond to the Wartegg test, keep in mind that the purpose of this test is to reveal aspects of your personality and cognitive processes, not to judge you as a person.
In the workplace, they are trying to determine if your profile matches what they are looking for. Therefore, there is no point in worrying and deciding in advance what you will answer. The important thing is to avoid unnecessary complications and try to remain calm.
Don’t over-analyze what you do, use common sense. Although we cannot provide you with an example of what the test would look like if each of its 8 boxes were correctly solved, we can give you general advice so that you can approach the task with greater confidence:
- Don’t worry about artistic quality
- Be confident in your answers and avoid erasing or crossing out
- Listen carefully to the instructions and ask any questions you may have.
- Follow the rules and instructions that the evaluator presents to you.
- Use your time efficiently, move at a comfortable pace
Another tool to explore personality
By using creativity and drawing, the Wartegg test reveals emotional and cognitive aspects in a non-intrusive way. This approach makes it possible to detect psychological traits and behavioral patterns that might otherwise be missed in other assessments.
Although we insist, interpretation should not be carried out in isolation, but rather integrated with other data and considering the general context.
Therefore, whether you are assessing or being assessed, it is crucial to understand that this test is only one of several ways to learn about personality elements, and should not be considered the only truth or definitive conclusion.