Rorschach test
Rorschach Test
The Rorschach Test (pronunciation: /ˈrɔːrʃɑːk/ or /ˈrɔːrʃæk/) is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretation, complex algorithms, or both.
Etymology
The Rorschach Test is named after its creator, Swiss psychologist Hermann Rorschach. In German, "Rorschach" means "red cape", a reference to the town of Rorschach, Switzerland.
Description
The Rorschach Test is a projective test, as it intentionally elicits the thoughts or feelings of respondents that are 'projected' onto the ambiguous inkblot images. This test is used to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning, and it has been employed to detect underlying thought disorders, especially in cases where patients are reluctant to describe their thinking processes openly.
Procedure
The test is administered by a trained psychologist who shows a series of ten inkblot plates, one at a time, to the test subject. The subject is asked to describe what they see in each inkblot. The psychologist records the responses verbatim, noting not only what the subject sees but also how they see it.
Related Terms
- Projective test: A type of psychological test that assesses a person's thinking patterns, observational ability, feelings, and responses to ambiguous test materials.
- Psychodiagnosis: The diagnosis and classification of psychological disorders or conditions.
- Inkblot test: A type of projective test that uses inkblots to understand an individual's personality structure and identify emotional problems.
Criticisms
Despite its widespread use, the Rorschach Test has been criticized for its subjective interpretation and lack of empirical support. Critics argue that the test's validity and reliability have not been conclusively demonstrated, and that the test's results can be influenced by the examiner's expectations or biases.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Rorschach test
- Wikipedia's article - Rorschach test
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