Modal Errors in the Cross Cultural Use of the Rorschach

Personality Measurement in Cross‐Cultural Perspective

“…Critics of these studies noted (a) the uncritical readiness of researchers to offer interpretations based on standard (Western) Rorschach postulates and psychoanalytic theory; (b) the unhealthy or pathological cast of modal personality portraits based on projective techniques; and (c) the limited attention paid to within-group heterogeneity and sources of bias (Holtzman, 1980;Lindzey, 1961;Spain, 1972). In a more recent critique of Rorschach use with American minority groups, Howes and DeBlassie (1989) noted similar criticisms, indicating that concerns about the use of projective tests across cultures have not abated.…”

Toward a resolution of the Rorschach controversy.

“…According to Viglione (1999), "In the United States, the Rorschach has demonstrated its usefulness with a variety of ethnic and subcultural groups" (p. 252). However, numerous investigators have described shortcomings of the Rorschach for the assessment of American minority groups and for non-Americans (Constantino, Flanagan, & Malgady, 1995;Cuellar, 1998;Dana, 1986Dana, , 1993Dana, , 1996Dana, , 1998Frank, 1992Frank, , 1993Gray-Little, 1995;Gray-Little & Kaplan, 1998;Howes & DeBlassie, 1989;Okazaki & Sue, 1995;Velasquez, 1995;Velasquez & Callahan, 1992; but also see Butcher, Nezami, & Exner, 1998;Ritzier, 1996). An important shortcoming is the lack of appropriate normative data for many ethnic groups, for example, Black adults, Hispanic American adults and children, and Native American adults and children.…”

Rorschach Comprehensive System Data for a Sample of 98 Adult Nonpatients From Greece

“…Issues of productivity, R, and complexity, Lambda, are related to the engagement in the task. These issues are especially relevant in working with the test with culturally different samples because some have reported less productivity in nonmajority U.S. culture samples (Howes & DeBlassie, 1989). Overall, these Greek individuals may have been slightly less engaged and involved in the test.…”