Human figure drawings: Abusing the abused.

Comments on R. W. Motta et al's (see record 1994-04005-001) paper on the validity of psychological tests that rely on human figure drawings (HFDs). While Motta et al are correct in stating that the use of such drawings is often abused, they appear to be unaware of recent approaches to the interpretation of HFDs. Motta et al fail to recognize, or ignore, the variety of methods and scoring procedures available for the evaluation of HFDs. Their review of a validity study by J. A. Naglieri et al (1991) regarding the Draw A Person: Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance is also criticized. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)