You want to test a patient for negativism during a motor examination. Before revealing the answer, decide how you would go about it.

Give the patient a series of simple instructions and passive movements, and observe whether interference of any kind is resisted without any discernible goal or understandable reason, distinguishing this from ordinary hostility, motivated refusal, or fear-driven avoidance, all of which have an understandable motive behind the resistance. Specifically test for the active, command form by giving a clear instruction and observing whether the patient performs the precise opposite in a reflex-like fashion, rather than simply failing to comply, which would instead suggest the passive form. Note the emotional tone accompanying the resistance, since this can vary — some negativistic patients appear angry and irritated, while others seem blunted and indifferent throughout — and this variation is itself part of the recognised clinical picture.