The pictogram technique was developed by Lurius. A. R. for the analysis of mediated memorization. Using this method, information can be obtained to study the nature of associations and thinking.
The essence of the pictogram
This technique of the pictogram is that the patient is asked to remember about 15-20 words and phrases, among which there are the following specific concepts: a hungry child, hard work, a delicious dinner, and so on. More abstract words are also used: doubt, development, and more. At the same time, for each expression it is necessary to draw any character or image, that is, write down a number of concepts using the pictogram.
What expressions to offer for memorizing the patient, choose based on his state of thinking. If there is a need to track the development of schizophrenia, use a number of specially selected expressions.
Icon data analysis
The methodology of the pictogram consists of a thorough analysis of each image with a further assessment based on a classification of a particular type. The quantitative ratio of images of various types in this pictogram is estimated, and analytical factors inaccessible to formalization are taken into account. The graphic features of the drawing are also taken into account.
Methodology "Pictogram Luria"
In domestic clinical psychodiagnostics, the pictogram is the most common methodology for studying the cognitive environment and personality. This method does not limit the subject to the content of the images, nor to their completeness. Also, the patient is allowed to use any materials. It is not limited in time.
Processing and Interpretation
When processing experimental data, if the Pictogram technique is used, the interpretation contains indicators of all the criteria, as well as procedural questions: the emotional attitude to the task, the ease of its implementation, the need for a wide space, and so on.
Criteria for evaluation
The technique is evaluated according to four criteria:
1. Adequacy
To evaluate this criterion, sometimes one figure is enough, but in some cases you need to get additional information from the author. If there is a reasonable connection between the proposed concept and its image, then the specialist puts a “+” sign, if there is no connection, a “-” sign. The adequacy criterion is characterized by fairly high rates of norm - more than 70%.
2. Recoverability of concepts after a delayed period
In order to evaluate the patient according to the second criterion, the specialist suggests that after a while he restore the list of proposed concepts according to the icon created by him. For this, the list of concepts is closed, and the subject must randomly restore them. This criterion is also quite high, indicators above 80% are considered normal. The technique of the pictogram by this criterion allows you to determine what role memory plays in the subject’s thinking.
3. Concreteness-abstraction
Experts evaluate this criterion by the degree to which the pictogram corresponds to a real object. The most concrete correspondence is estimated at 1 point, the abstract image - at 3 points. In some cases, the images are difficult to attribute to any type. In this case, they get a score of 2 points. Further, expert estimates are added up and average data are calculated. The norm is a value of 2 points.
4. Standard-originality
Experts also evaluate the originality or standardity of the created icons. If the images of different subjects coincide, then this indicates the mediocrity of the assignment. Such pictograms are evaluated by the lowest score, equal to 1. Intermediate options are estimated at 2 points, for the uniqueness of the pictograms the subject receives 3 points. The norm is a result of 2 points.