What is a Rorschach test in psychology?

Rorschach test, also called Rorschach inkblot test, projective method of psychological testing in which a person is asked to describe what he or she sees in 10 inkblots, of which some are black or gray and others have patches of colour. The test was introduced in 1921 by Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach.

How does a Rorschach test work?

The Rorschach is what psychologists call a projective test. The basic idea of this is that when a person is shown an ambiguous, meaningless image (ie an inkblot) the mind will work hard at imposing meaning on the image. That meaning is generated by the mind.

What can Rorschach diagnose?

In psychiatry, the Rorschach test is used to analyze a person’s subconscious personality characteristics and emotional functioning. Thus, it is generally applied to detect underlying thought disorders, especially among patients with psychosis.

Are Rorschach tests valid?

Based upon published reports, the Rorschach can be regarded as a reliable and valid psychometric instrument, given that certain conditions are met. They also reviewed 24 previously published papers, all reporting various inter-rater reliabilities. Most of these studies reported reliabilities in the range of 85% to 99%.

Is the Thematic Apperception Test still used today?

Despite criticisms, the TAT continues to be used as a tool for research into areas of psychology such as dreams, fantasies, mate selection and what motivates people to choose their occupation.

Can Rorschach test be used as a stand alone test for schizophrenia?

“We think it is acceptable to use the Rorschach to assess thought disorder or schizophrenia-related symptoms,” always and exclusively according to the current international norms of the system promoted by Exner, says the psychologist.

Is Rorschach test reliable?

Based upon published reports, the Rorschach can be regarded as a reliable and valid psychometric instrument, given that certain conditions are met. One is that it is administered by an experienced, competent, and trained examiner. Another condition is that a known and structured method of assessment be used.

What are the limitations of the Rorschach inkblot test and the TAT?

With the exception of schizophrenia and similarly severe thought disorders, the Rorschach fails to spot any common mental illnesses accurately. The list of what it fails to diagnose includes depression, anxiety disorders, psychopathic personality, and violent and criminal tendencies.

What does Rorschach inkblot test tell you about your personality?

Rorschach Test. The Rorschach Test , also known as the inkblot test, is a psychological test that can be used to determine personality characteristics and evaluate emotional health. The Rorschach Test is a projective personality test that works because the subject projects his or her personality onto the ambiguous shape of the inkblot.

What is one criticism of Rorschach tests?

Criticisms of the Rorschach have centred on three things: First, some psychologists have argued that the testing psychologist also projects his or her unconscious world on to the inkblots when interpreting responses.

What is the point of the Rorschach test?

A rorschach test may help to identify psychotic thinking. The Rorschach test is a psychological examination which analyzes a patient’s perception of inkblots.

Why is the Rorschach test important?

The Rorschach Test is a projective psychological test developed in 1921 by Hermann Rorschach to measure thought disorder for the purpose of identifying mental illness. It was inspired by the observation that schizophrenia patients often interpret the things they see in unusual ways.