The Rorschach test is a diagnostic method from psychoanalysis that explores the subconscious mind of patients. Named after the Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach (1884-1922), it is a projective personality test used to measure intelligence, interpersonal attitudes, mood, and affectivity (emotional responsiveness). The method is based on the shape interpretation of inkblot pictures. In doing so, the psychologist attempts to create a personality profile of the test subject based on the associations and interpretations given to him.
Meaning and interpretation of the Rorschach charts.
At the beginning of the Rorschach test, the patient is presented with a series of symmetrical inkblot pictures on so-called Rorschach charts. The patient is asked to explain what first comes to mind when looking at the presented visuals. The answers are then evaluated according to shape, color, localization, originality and creativity.
In this form interpretation procedure, there is neither a “right” nor a “wrong” answer. All that matters is the patient’s interpretation alone when viewing the images. The interpretation of this obtained data is an extremely complicated process and requires a lot of experience and training.
The next step is for the subject to pick up each Rorschach chart individually and examine each chart separately. The blot pictures may be turned and rotated as desired. Along the way, the psychologist asks questions such as “What do you see here?” or “What could this be?”. The patient’s task is to describe what he thinks he sees in the inkblot picture. In addition, he should explain to which part of the inkblot the respective mental association refers. In addition, the psychologist notes the patient’s interpretation, handling (rotation) of the tablet, and reaction times.
The evaluation of the Rorschach test
Based on his notes, the physician can now evaluate the Rorschach test. In doing so, he acts on the following points and questions according to established guidelines:
- Type of recording: are whole, half or only detail figures recorded?
- Quality of experience: are shades, contrasts, colors perceived?
- Content: Are animals, people, plants, etc. seen?
- Originality: Are the answers vulgar, adapted, original?
The Rorschach test can be used to analyze the patient’s memory and sensations, which are mainly anchored in the subconscious. In addition, the form interpretation of the Rorschach images allows conclusions to be drawn about longings, desires, fears and thus the personality of the test person.
Since there is room for interpretation in the evaluation of the results, the test is still hotly debated, but its usefulness is nevertheless recognized. However, it is not used as a stand-alone test to assess personality, but in conjunction with other standardized testing procedures.
