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Psychometry
Psychometry in parapsychology is the supposed ability to obtain information about a person, event or place by touching an object that belonged to them. The term was coined by the American physician Joseph Rodes Buchanan in 1842. Not to be confused with scientific psychometrics, the science of measuring psychological variables.
Esoteric practice
The "psychometrist" holds an object in their hand (ring, photo, personal item) and claims to "read" information about the owner or the associated event. The practice spread in nineteenth-century spiritualism and twentieth-century paranormal circles. Sceptical experts have shown that, in most cases, readers use "cold reading" techniques: information deduced from observation, clothing and behaviour of the client.
Scientific psychometrics
In academic psychology, "psychometrics" is the discipline concerned with the construction, validation and analysis of psychological tests (MBTI, Big Five, WAIS, clinical scales, etc.). It is a highly developed field of psychology with rigorous statistical methods. Not to be confused with the esoteric practice of the same name.
FAQ
Is it scientifically proven?
No, in its parapsychological sense. Rigorous studies have not confirmed the ability to obtain precise information from objects through non-sensory means.
Is it dangerous?
Not in itself. It becomes risky when used by self-styled "psychics" to influence important decisions of clients.
Difference from psychological tests?
Scientific psychometrics builds validated measurement tools. The esoteric practice of the same name has no scientific basis.