The Rorschach Test

Paper Summary:

The paper describes how, over the last several decades, there has been much clinical debate regarding the efficacy and clinical utility of the Rorschach test as a method for evaluating personality and psychopathology. This paper argues that the Rorschach test as a general measure of personality and psychopathology is limited, but certain scales of the Rorschach may be valuable for assessing particular personality or psychological traits. The paper presents the arguments for and against the Rorschach evaluation and concludes that the best course of action may be to use the Rorschach test in combination with other assessments.

Outline:
Introduction
Arguments For and Against Rorschach Evaluation
Synthesis and Conclusions

From the Paper:

"Meyer (1999) notes that the clinical utility of the Rorschach has long been debated. His articles support views opposing use of the Rorschach for clinical evaluation. Meyers notes that historically clinicians believed the Rorschach test provided a valuable service, enabling researchers the ability to apply consistent psychological testing to patients. Many however have criticized the utility and the "psychometric foundation" of this test as Meyer's (1999) notes. Meyer's suggest that there is ample evidence supporting the claim this test is "poor" and has "no practical worth for any purposes for which it is recommended" (235)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baity, M.R. & Hilsenroth, M.J. (1999). "Rorschach aggression variables: A study of reliability and validity." Journal of Personality and Assessment, 71(1): 93.
• Hiller, J.B., Bornstein, R.F., Rosenthal, R. & Berry, D.T. (1999). "A comparative meta-analysis of Rorschach and MMPI validity." Psychological Assessment, 11(3): 278-296.
• Hunsley, J. & Bailey, J.M. (1999). "The clinical utility of the Rorschach: Unfulfilled promises and an uncertain future." Psychological Assessment, 11(3): 266-77.
• Meyer, G.J. (1999). "Introduction to the special series on the utility of the Rorschach for clinical assessment." Psychological Assessment, 11(3): 235-239.
• Weiner, I.B. (1996). "Some observations on the validity of the Rorschach Inkblot method." Psychological Assessment, 8(1): 206-13.

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