The pictogram technique was developed by Luria. AR for mediated memory analysis. Using this method, you can get information to study the nature of associations and thinking.
Essence of the pictogram
This pictogram technique consists in the fact that the patient is asked to memorize 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 so on. At the same time, for each expression, it is necessary to draw any sign or image, that is, write down a number of concepts using a pictogram.
What expressions to offer for memorizing the patient are chosen taking into account his state of mind. If there is a need to track the development of schizophrenia, a number of specially selected expressions are used.
Pictogram data analysis
The pictogram technique consists of a thorough analysis of each image with a further assessment based on assignment to a particular type. The quantitative ratio of images of various types in this pictogram is estimated, analytical factors are taken into account,inaccessible formalizations. Graphic features of the picture are also taken into account.
Methodology "Pictogram Luria"
In domestic clinical psychodiagnostics, the pictogram is the most common method for studying the cognitive environment and personality. This method does not limit the subject neither the content of the images, nor their completeness. Also, the patient is allowed to use any materials. It is not limited in time either.
Processing and interpretation
When processing experimental data, if the "Pictogram" method is used, the interpretation contains indicators of all criteria, as well as procedural issues: emotional attitude to the task, ease of its implementation, need for a wide space, and so on.
Evaluation criteria
Methodology is evaluated according to four criteria:
1. Adequacy
To evaluate this criterion, sometimes one drawing 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 the “+” sign, if there is no connection, the “-” sign. The adequacy criterion is characterized by rather high rates of the norm - more than 70%.
2. Recoverability of concepts after a delayed period
To evaluate the patient according to the second criterion, the specialist suggests that after some time he restore the list of proposed concepts according to the pictogram he created. To do this, the list of concepts is closed, andthe subject must randomly restore them. This criterion is also quite high, indicators above 80% are considered normal. The pictogram technique for this criterion allows you to determine what role memory plays in the thinking of the subject.
3. Concrete-abstract
Experts evaluate this criterion according to the degree of conformity of the pictogram to the real object. The maximum specific 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 receive a score of 2 points. Further, the expert's estimates are added up and the average data is calculated. A value of 2 points is considered the norm.
4. Standardity-originality
Experts also evaluate the originality or standardity of the created pictograms. If different subjects have the same images, then this indicates the mediocrity of the task. Such pictograms are evaluated by the lowest score, equal to 1. Intermediate options are rated at 2 points, for the uniqueness of the pictograms, the subject receives 3 points. A score of 2 is considered normal.
