Understanding Children's Art: An Analysis of the Literature

Abstract

This article attempts to answer the question: "Why is it that an intuitively obvious means of understanding children has not been documented as such?". This is done through a critical analysis of the literature dealing with the validity of the Draw-A-Person Test (DAP). Studies reviewed are analyzed along three parameters; projective test theory, subject population, and psychodiagnostic labeling. On the basis of this analysis, explanations for inconsistencies in the results of the research and suggestions for organizing future work in this area are submitted.