History and Use of the Rorschach Inkblot Test

This paper reviewed the history and development of the Rorschach inkblot test from its pre-experimental period to the modern "interpretation of accidental forms" ("Historical development of inkblot technique"). Test administration, interpretation, and scoring is also discussed. The test's psychometric properties have been seen as questionable, and the Somatic Inkblot Series (SIS) Center listed 7 failures of the Rorschach test. It is for this reason that several other inkblot test have been developed, to overcome these limitations. But despite the criticism, there are still a number of clinical and experimental applications for the Rorschach inkblot test.

History and use of the Rorschach inkblot test

The Rorschach inkblot test is one of the best known and most widely used projective personality tests. The diversity of possible responses to inkblots makes them instrumental in studying individuals. The Rorschach is not used by itself; it is usually given as part of the clinical assessment process along with other personality tests, such as the MMPI-2 and other ability test, like the WAIS-III. ("Rorschach Inkblot Test")

History of the Rorschach

Pre-Experimental Period

While the history of the inkblot procedure has not been said to be easily traceable, it is known that the use of inkblot techniques, or "indeterminate forms," to stimulate the imagination can be traced back to Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli in the 15^th century. ("Historical development of inkblot technique")

During the latter half of the 19^th century and into the early part of the 20^th century, there was much interest in inkblots as a game, rather than any kind of a test. A popular parlor game known as "Blotto" challenged people to associate an image to a design. The design might have been created right there, or it might have been taken from inkblot designs in contemporary books and magazines. ("Historical development of inkblot technique")

Psychological Experimental Period