The tree-drawing test?

Question

I don't see how this test could be relevant since anyone can draw many different trees if you give them the time! I draw one kind of tree or another randomnly. Plus, someone that knows the basics about the test can draw what he thinks he's supposed to. So why do they keep using it in recruiting people for jobs?

Answer 1

I'm certain this is oversimplified... but from the site listed below:

"The picture of the tree is supposed to elicit feelings of strength or weakness."

Aloha

Answer 2

Personally, I have never had to take a test like this when applying for a job.

I think the flaws you mention are true (i.e., a person can choose to draw any tree she wants, regardless of her underlying feelings; and someone who knows about the test can easily provide a fake answer).

It might be interesting to include as one element among many, just out of curiosity, but not as a main way to assess someone.

Employers get a lot more out of asking potential hirees questions about their past job experience, how they behaved in certain situations, and how they might respond to a particular challenge.

Assessing someone accurately usually means collecting lots of different types of details, then using then to construct the most probable "big picture" of who that person is.

I would hope that if someone is using it, they are also asking the other sorts of questions I mentioned.

If someone is using it as the "main screening tool," then they're doing it because they are either ignorant of how ineffective it is or because they think it's somehow "trendy."

Or maybe they just have "tree envy." :)

Answer 3

its just to make themselves feel important. If i drew a palm tree its not cause i feel tall or alone or whatever raven said, its cause i want to make lots of money and retire to the beach. So you had better watch out or I might embezzle from the company, or maybe its just that i am nuts and might run amock with an ak47, so i guess the post office wouldnt hire me if i drew a palm tree?

Answer 4

Its not really how they drew it or how many they draw, whats important is What they chose to draw. For example a palm tree could mean that u feel tall but alone, and a weeping willow( its a tree) tells them that you are sad and have a low selft esteem.

So it tells who your are and how you feel. Itsnt that important? especially if your going to hire them?...

Answer 5

It's to see your reaction, other than that it's waste of time

Whats your source raven?

Answer 6

maybe cuz they like trees ...