The therapist then interprets the person’s answers.
His interest in inkblots continued into adulthood.
He began wondering if inkblots could be used to create profiles fordifferent mental disorders.
Verywell / Laura Porter
The results of the inkblot test serve as a springboard to further discussion about issues patients purportedly illustrate.
For instance, the Rorschach has been shown to help assess the personality structure ofpatients with schizophrenia.
During administration, the examiner will sit next to you.
This helps them see what you see.
The actual content of the responses is one thing, but other factors are essential as well.
Content
Content refers to the name or class of objects used in your responses.
Some common contents include:
Some responses are quite common, while others may be much more unique.
Highly atypical responses are notable since they might indicatedisturbances in thought patterns.
Location
Identifying the location of your response is another element scored in the Rorschach system.
Location refers to how much of the inkblot you used to answer the question.
Determinants
Determinant coding is one of the most complex features of scoring the Rorschach test.
This is where the examiner considers the reasonswhyyou see what you see.
What inkblot features helped determine your response and how?
Each category has subcategories and there are at least 26 possible determinant codes.
More than one determinant can be used in a single response.
On average, it takes about 1.5 hours to administer and score the Rorschach test.
Interpretation of the Rorschach Inkblot Test
Interpreting a Rorschach record is a complex process.
A relatively fast response might indicate being at ease with others and comfortable with social relationships.
A delayed response, however, might reveal that the individualstruggles with social interactions.
Scoring relies heavily on examiner interpretation.
In this case, can the Rorschach correctly assess personality characteristics and emotional functioning?
Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding no.
Is the Rorschach Still Used?
Today, some psychologists dismiss the Rorschach as merely a relic of psychology’s past.
They view it as apseudoscience on par with phrenology.
Others recognize that though the inkblot test may not be a perfect tool, it still has uses.
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