A Commentary on DeCato's "On the Rorschach M Response and Monotheism" (1993)

In a recent article, DeCato (1993) posits a fundamental dichotomy between the Comprehensive System (Exner, 1986) Rorschach interpretation, which is based on group norms, and the Perceptanalytic System (Piotrowski, 1957), which advocates validating Rorschach microfacts against the behavior of the individual. Perspective can be gained on this issue by recognizing that these approaches are actually extremes on a continuum where interpretation gradually narrows from the general to the specific. Acknowledging the funnel-shaped character of Rorschach interpretive approaches tins implications for understanding, scoring, and teaching projective techniques.     

On the Rorschach M response and monotheism

The Rorschach human movement (M) response has recently been debated (Exner, 1991a, Kramer, 1991a, 1991b) with additional wider implications for Rorschach psychology. The objective of this discourse is twofold: (a) to elaborate on the contributions of perceptanalysis (Piotrowski, 1957) to this debate and (b) to develop the thesis that diversity is desirable for the long-term advancement of the field of Rorschach psychology and personality assessment. These motifs are illustrated with an interpretation of a clinical case example and with rationale from the theoretical literature and implications for interpreting short Rorschach protocols. The conclusion is proffered that some degree of diversification is more beneficial than requiring the adoption of a single Rorschach approach (i.e., monotheism).     

Six Constructs to Define Rorschach M: A Response

The experimental validity of six constructs, conceptualized to account for Rorschach M, was suggested by (a) step-wise regression analysis on scores from task definitions of each construct and M scores for 45 female subjects, and (b) task correlations with their M scores. Fantasy, time estimation, and intelligence were significantly related to M. Inadequacies of task definitions or initial conceptualization were suggested by the correlational data.     

论一神思想的精髓——以犹太思想为例

由犹太人最先提出的一神思想是人类社会现存的最重要信仰之一,也是当前世界上影响最大的一种思想。本文旨在探讨,在信仰以外,一神思想的精髓到底是什么?一神思想与多神思想相比较到底在那些方面可以被视为是一种创新,一种进步?在超越神学方面,一神思想对人类而言到底有什么样的意义?     

Intelligence and the Rorschach Whole Response

Previous research on the relation between intelligence and Rorschach W responses has produced inconclusive results. The problem was re-examined with methodological improvements. Ss were 58 latency and pre-adolescent boys. Rorschach W responses were coded to Friedman's developmental scoring system, and response frequencies in these categories were correlated with WISC IQ and subtest scaled scores. IQ scores were significantly related to one of two types of developmentally advanced W responses as predicted (r = .33), and no meaningful pattern of correlations was found between the developmentally more primitive types of W responses and IQ.     

Response selection on the Rorschach Test

After discussion of some theoretical speculations concerning the nature of the Rorschach process, two experimental manipulations of the Rorschach task are presented. Three groups of normal (n = 6) and schizophrenic subjects (7 paranoid and 7 nonparanoid) participated. Their mean age was 30.7 yr. In the first experimental version of the Rorschach, simplified inkblots (sections of the standard cards) were used to verify the influence of stimulus complexity on response for the three groups. In the second, an experimental version of the Rorschach task was created to highlight the influence of the selection process among different associations to blots. To this end, a list including responses both of positive and negative form quality to each card, was provided each subject. Data are discussed, highlighting the minimal differences obtained by the experimental manipulations and relating these to theoretical speculations.     

论柯恩的“纯粹”一神教

柯恩的纯粹一神教是其犹太哲学思想中的基础性概念。纯粹一神教的基础是上帝的独一性,包括上帝存在的独一性和信仰上帝的方式的纯粹性,它的表征是以色列民族的独一性。正是基于纯粹一神教,柯恩反对犹太复国主义的思想才能得到理解。     

Monotheism and the Spirituality of Reason

In this paper I propose a cognitive interpretation of the emergence of monotheism. I first distinguish between two fundamentally different conceptions of representation: one intuitive, which favors an analog model of rational cognition, and one discursive, which favors a digital model. While both Hellenism and Judaism may have been instrumental in setting civilization on the path to reason and law, it is the discursive or digital conception of God as a single universal Judge, I argue, that provides the foundational axiom of the moral logic of the Hebrew Scriptures. That is, in monotheism, God came to be represented differently.     

Selected Rorschach Response Characteristics of Sex Offenders

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were significant differences in certain response characteristics of sex offenders and a random sample of non-sex offenders to Rorschach cards II, IV, VI, and VII. The Rorschach responses of both samples were compared in terms of rejections, form level, sexual locations, overt sexual responses, and reaction time. There were significant differences between the samples in number of rejections and reaction time. It was concluded that these measures were useful in differentiating between the two groups.     

On the science of Rorschach research

Wood et al.'s (1999b) article contained several general points that are quite sound. Conducting research with an extreme groups design does produce effect sizes that are larger than those observed in an unselected population. Appropriate control groups are important for any study that wishes to shed light on the characteristics of a targeted experimental group and experimental validity is enhanced when researchers collect data from both groups simultaneously. Diagnostic efficiency statistics--or any summary measures of test validity--should be trusted more when they are drawn from multiple studies conducted by different investigators across numerous settings rather than from a single investigator's work. There should be no question that these points are correct. However, I have pointed out numerous problems with specific aspects of Wood et al.'s (1999b) article. Wood et al. gave improper citations that claimed researchers found or said things that they did not. Wood et al. indicated my data set did not support the incremental validity of the Rorschach over the MMPI-2 when, in fact, my study never reported such an analysis and my data actually reveal that the opposite conclusion is warranted. Wood et al. asserted there was only one proper way to conduct incremental validity analyses even though experts have described how their recommended procedure can lead to significant complications. Wood et al. cited a section of Cohen and Cohen (1983) to bolster their claim that hierarchical and step-wise regression procedures were incompatible and to criticize Burns and Viglione's (1996) regression analysis. However, that section of Cohen and Cohen's text actually contradicted Wood et al.'s argument. Wood et al. tried to convince readers that Burns and Viglione used improper alpha levels and drew improper conclusions from their regression data although Burns and Viglione had followed the research evidence on this topic and the expert recommendations provided in Hosmer and Lemeshow's (1989) classic text. Wood et al. oversimplified issues associated with extreme group research designs and erroneously suggested that diagnostic studies were immune from interpretive confounds that can be associated with this type of design. Wood et al. ignored or dismissed the valid reasons why Burns and Viglione used an extreme groups design, and they never mentioned how Burns and Viglione used a homogeneous sample that actually was likely to find smaller than normal effect sizes. Wood et al. also overlooked the fact that Burns and Viglione identified their results as applying to female nonpatients; they never suggested their findings would characterize those obtained from a clinical sample. Wood et al. criticized composite measures although some of the most important and classic findings in the history of research on personality recommend composite measures as a way to minimize error and maximize validity. Wood et al. also were mistaken about the elements that constitute an optimal composite measure. Wood et al. apparently ignored the factor-analytic evidence that demonstrated how Burns and Viglione created a reasonable composite scale, and Wood et al. similarly ignored the clear evidence that supported the content and criterion related validity of the EMRF. With respect to the HEV, Wood et al. created a z-score formula that used the wrong means and standard deviations. They continued to use this formula despite being informed that it was incorrect. Subsequently, Wood et al. told readers that their faulty z-score formula was "incompatible" with the proper weighted formula and asserted that the two formulas "do not yield identical results" and "do not yield HEV scores that are identical or even very close." These published claims were made even though Wood et al. had seen the results from eight large samples, all of which demonstrated that their wrong formula had correlations greater than .998 with the correct formula. At worst, it seems that Wood et al. (199     

A Reexamination of the Color-Shading Rorschach Test Response and Suicide Attempts

This research adds support to a previous finding that the use of shading in colored areas of the Rorschach plates by hospitalized psychiatric patients is an indicator of suicidal tendencies. The color-shading response occurred significantly more often among patients who had attempted suicide than among those who had not attempted suicide. Speculations about psychological processes that may be involved in the color-shading determinant are offered.     

Relation of Creativity and Sex to Rorschach M Responses

In an attempt to relate the Rorschach M productivity with sex, creativity and test-identified psychosexual orientation of the respondent, the M responses of female and male normal, creative male and female, “non-masculine” male and “non-feminine” female Ss [N = 140] were analyzed. It was revealed that (a) high M productivity was associated with creativity, feminity in males, and with the female sex, (b) sex-differences in the creative Ss, as well as masculinity in females was not associated with statistically significant differences in M productivity. These findings were accounted for mainly in terms of differential sex-role demands and the female sex's effort to overcome indirectly the socio-cultural restrictions.     

Psychophysiological Reactions to the Response Phase of the Rorschach and 16PF

Sylvia Anthony. The Discovery of Death in Childhood and After. New York: Basic Books, 1972, $6.95. Reviewed by Louise Bates Ames

B. Klopfer, M. M. Meyer, and F. B. Brawer (Editors), Developments in the Rorschach Technique, Vol. III. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovarovich, 1970 Reviewed by A. I. Rabin

Mireille Monod, Manuel d'Application de Test du Village. (Manual for the village test). Neuchatel (Switzerland): Delachaux &; Niestle, 1970. Reviewed by S. G. Vandenberg

Florence Roswell and Gladys Natchez. Reading Disability: Diagnosis and Treatment. (2nd ed.) New York: Basic Books, 1971, 277 pages, $6.95. Reviewed by Jules C. Abrams, PhD

M. Gardiner (Ed.) The Wolf-Man by the Wolf-Man. New York: Basic Books, 1971, 370 pages, $10.00. Reviewed by Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi

N. J. Hale, Jr. Freud and The Americans – The Beginnings of Psychoanalysis in the United States, 1876–1917. New York: Oxford, 1971, 574 pages, $15.00. Reviewed by Benjamin Beit-Hallahmi     

Rorschach Anatomy Response Correlates in Rehabilitation Failure Subjects

Studies have linked rehabilitation failure to personality factors and psychological test findings, including the Rorschach Anatomy Response. Objective psychological tests were administered to 112 PMRS patients who met the criterion of over 30% anatomy on the Rorschach. Test scores and demographic variables were statistically analyzed in an intercorrelational design using medical success—failure judgements as criterion. Outcomes were judged 100% failure and the group resembled somatization and hysterical reactions, with positive comparisons to passive-dependency and delayed recovery from disease. Inspection of the intercorrelations suggested two patterns: an open psychopathology configuration and a control-defensive personality organization. Discussion focused upon the value of anatomy percentage as a failure predictor, the type of personality involved, and the need for more specific research.     

A Conceptual Validation Study of the Texture Response on the Rorschach

This study addresses the Rorschach texture response (T). The authors proposed a developmental line incorporating tactile self-soothing functions and tactile aspects of interpersonal closeness and related it to T. It was hypothesized that T would be linearly related to one's reliance on tactile cues cognitively by categorizing objects according to texture and behaviorally by touching and stroking. Subjects were 81 women, between the ages of 18 and 30. The results confirm the notion that T is related to both cognitive and behavioral reliance on tactile cues. It was also hypothesized that high T subjects, more than others, would increase their use of tactile cues and touching when stressed, but this hypothesis was not supported. The results were considered to be consistent with, the proposed developmental line but not for differential regression along the line. They also supported T as being related to tactile mode of information processing.