Zulliger test to select personnel

The Z-test or Zulliger test is a projective test designed in 1942. At first glance, it is almost inevitable to remember or even confuse it with the Rorschach test. However, it does not follow the same protocol and also has multiple advantages. It is easier to apply and has much faster interpretation parameters.

The objective of this resource follows the same as any other projective instrument: describe latent personality traits based on the approach of psychoanalysis. With this detail clear, we can already guess that today it may be the subject of more than one criticism, but that does not make it any less interesting. What’s more, one of its most common areas of application is personnel selection.

A positive aspect of this test that can give it a certain advantage over other projective tests, such as the figure in the rain, the tree test, the Murray test, is that It has good reliability and validity data. The statistical studies carried out in this regard give it good robustness, which makes it usually a good ally in the area of ​​human resources.

Zulliger test: what it assesses, where and how it is applied

The fact that the Zulliger test reminds us so much of the Rorschach test is no coincidence. The person who developed this instrument was Hanz Zulliger, a Swiss psychiatrist and student of Hermann Rorschach himself.. Thus, if there is one thing that Dr. Zulliger is known for, it was for later becoming a very influential child analyst, as well as a promoter of psychoanalytic pedagogy.

Now, before reaching the peak of his career, he spent several years working with Rorschach. His purpose was to understand and delve much deeper into his approach when exploring human personality through the classic spot test. Added to this is another decisive fact in his life: the arrival of the Second World War and the need to have a test to select the Swiss army.

Hans Zulliger became a decisive figure for this task. He applied intelligence tests, personality tests and the Rorschach sheets themselves. However, he realized one thing: this test was too complex and what was needed at that time was agility, efficiency, speed and to be able to pass the same test to an average of 30 people at a time.

It did not take him long to develop a new test. Let’s delve into its features.

What does the Zulliger test assess?

The Z-test or Zulliger Test is a projective test. What does this mean? It implies that we are dealing with an instrument in which a large number of subjective responses are obtained. All of them are based on stimuli that awaken the imagination of the person taking the test, as well as their sensitivity, desires, personality traits, etc.

What differentiates this instrument from the rest of the tests on this type of topic is its validity. and its ease when applied. Zulliger designed a test with which quickly differentiate people without psychological problems. Also, those who show, above all, good skills for certain positions in the army. This test in turn helps to assess people’s mental processes: their fears, their social adaptation, their emotional world and capacity for control. Today the Zulliger test is used in many human resources departments to select personnel.

How does it apply?

Zulliger tea can be applied individually or collectively. In both cases, It starts by presenting the person with the three slides that make up this test. It is explained to them that these figures do not represent anything in particular, however, they tend to evoke different things in each person. The purpose is for them to explain what it suggests to them in particular.

The first sheet is made in gray, white and black tones.. It is the most compact and should generally suggest a single concept to the person. It represents deep thought.The second sheet is the most striking, since it presents several colors (mostly very alive) as well as various differentiated areas. It is the most complex and also the one that usually awakens the greatest number of sensations and emotions. When evaluating it, it usually represents aspects such as capacity and order, self-control, etc. Finally, Plate three plays with grey, black and red. The drawing always suggests a certain dynamism and movement. It is linked to the area of ​​social relations.

When they have finished writing the ideas, feelings or images that each illustration has generated, it is time to talk. Each person must explain to the therapist or psychologist what they see in every corner and detail. of those sheets.

How is it evaluated?

To evaluate the Zulliger test, you need to master this test skillfully and exquisitely.. Therefore, it is not worth applying it to anyone not initiated in this type of projective resources and specifically in the Zulliger test.

There are no right or wrong answers here.The analyzes given in each sheet are analyzed and, in turn, the way in which the person expresses himself. The greater the richness of the details, the more sensations, figures or experiences the evaluated subject feels, the higher his or her score will be. Originality, psychological coherence, self-perception, thinking style, etc. are also valued..

Likewise, it should be noted that, despite being a projective and clearly subjective resource, it allows obtaining a general vision of the inner world and personality of a candidate.

To this day it is still used in many selection processes. along with other tests. The Zulliger test continues to be an interesting instrument.