I learnt a new psychology test, by answering one.
I was told there were no right or wrong answers, and to use my imagination to answer each question (preferably without pause).
"Describe the forest to me"
High trees, sun light streaming through the branches high above, I feel sunlight on my head
"Look around, describe everything, what do you see?"
Including the sound of the birds singing?
"Yes"
Okay, there's a lot of sound, ferns rustle as I move around, it's dark green mostly, but I can see where the sunlight has broken through
"you continue walking and after a little while, you turn around and look back at the way that you came, tell me what you see?"
(is there a path)
I see the movement of the ferns and shrubs - where I have passed them. Is there a path?... yes, just a track though, I can only just make it out, trodden leaves, it's slightly muddy here
"Now you're happily walking on, ... when.... suddenly you see an animal............................What animal do you see?"
Hedgehog
"Hedgehog?"
Yeah?
"Okay, So... the Hedgehog attacks you..."
A hedgehog isn't going to attack me
"Remember, you've got to use your imagination, so... imagine now what you'd do if the animal attacks you"
The hedgehog? (incredulous)
"Yeah, if that's the animal that you see... ?"
(re focuses: criteria - hedgehog with attacking abilities - replays scenario)
I push it aside and carry on walking, I don't need to argue with a hedgehog - just get out of the way
"As you're walking along, you see a key, what do you do?"
Wait, what kind of key is it? (not interested if it's Yale - too common)
"Whatever kind of key you like?"
Okay, - large, ornate, belongs on a ring - housekeeper/governess - secret garden
(mentally inspects and idly polishes)
"What do you do with the key?"
I admire it, I'm considering it's history, who's been involved with it, and where it belongs
"Do you put it anywhere, describe what you're doing?"
I look at the key I'm turning over in my hand, wondering what to do with it now. I have a cloth which I wrap it up in and place in my pocket (like Lucy)
"Why did you do that?"
Not sure what to do with it ....yet. I'll put it somewhere where I can think about it and keep it safe.
"You see water, describe what way?"
Any kind of water, like an ocean, river... that kind of thing?
"Yes?"
Okay, (rapid elimination - selection) waterfall, deep pool and babbling brook running away
It's very pretty, I can hear birdsong, the sun is shining and lighting up the spray from the waterfall, like crystals.
(my favourite place)
"Moving away from there..."
Why would I want to? (eyecapture of scene)
"You're now walking towards the edge of the forest, as you get nearer... you can see what lies ahead, what do you see?"
My eyes are still on the waterfall scene, I'm walking away and then turn my head in the direction I'm walking, I have to look ahead?
"Yes, what do you see?"
There's a hill in the distance, not too far away, there's a wooden fence, some wild flowers are growing on the otherside, I'm looking for the turnstyle..... so I can climb the hill .... take in the view from the top. There's a sweet fragrance being carried on the warm breeze.
