Graphology

For the forensic examination of handwritten documents, see Graphanalysis. For the study of writing systems, see Graphemics. For the study of mathematical graphs, see Graph theory.
A piece of handwriting used in graphological analysis, supposedly showing traits of "frivolity" and "triviality" in the writer

Graphology is the analysis of handwriting in an attempt to determine the writer's personality traits. Its methods and conclusions are not supported by scientific evidence,[1][2] and as such it is considered to be a pseudoscience.[3][4][5][6]

Graphology has been controversial for more than a century. Although proponents point to positive testimonials as anecdotal evidence of its utility for personality evaluation, these claims have not been supported by scientific studies.[1][7] It has been rated as among the most discredited methods of psychological analysis by a survey of mental health professionals.[8]

  1. ^ a b Driver, Russell W.; Buckley, M. Ronald; Frink, Dwight D. (April 1996). "Should We Write Off Graphology?". International Journal of Selection and Assessment. 4 (2): 78–86. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2389.1996.tb00062.x.
  2. ^ Cohen, Roger (19 October 1993). "In France, It's How You Cross the t's". The New York Times.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference nevo1986 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Graph_Beyer_PBS was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ "BEYOND SCIENCE? Paper Personality, on season 8, episode 2". Scientific American Frontiers. Chedd-Angier Production Company. 1997–1998. PBS. Archived from the original on 2006-01-01.
  6. ^ Dunning, Brian. "Skeptoid #363: All About Graphology". Skeptoid. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  7. ^ Furnham, Adrian; Gunter, Barrie (January 1987). "Graphology and personality: Another failure to validate graphological analysis". Personality and Individual Differences. 8 (3): 433–435. doi:10.1016/0191-8869(87)90045-6.
  8. ^ Norcross, John C.; Koocher, Gerald P.; Garofalo, Ariele (2006). "Discredited psychological treatments and tests: A Delphi poll". Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. 37 (5): 515–522. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.37.5.515. ISSN 1939-1323. Five tests rated by at least 25% of the experts in terms of being discredited for a specific purpose received mean scores of 4.0 or higher: Luscher Color Test, Szondi Test, handwriting analysis (graphology), Bender Visual Motor Gestalt Test (for assessment of neuropsychological impairment), eneagrams, and Lowenfeld Mosaic Test