Projective Techniques in Crisis

Rorschachbound: A 50-Year Memoir

“…Additionally, hundreds of case studies were analyzed blindly to illustrate the power of the Rorschach to understand personality problems and psychiatric conditions. Finally, many modifications, innovations, and supplementary techniques were introduced: the Inspection Rorschach, the Group Rorschach, the Multiple-Choice Rorschach, the Objective Rorschach, Baughman's Paired Comparison Method, and methods for integrating the Rorschach with the therapy process, All these developments, including critical evaluations, have been amply documented in annual reviews (Fisher, 1967;Gleser, 1963;Margaret, 1952) and in many critical surveys (Exner, 1969;Goldfried, Stricker, & Weiner, 1971;Hertz, 1942Hertz, , 1952Hertz, , 1963Hertz, , 1970.…”

“…Survey after survey showed a decided decline in psychological testing (especially psychodiagnostics), a swing to the more objective methods, and a focus on the environment in which behavior occurs (Bersoff, 1973;Buros, 1970Buros, , 1972Holt, 1967;Shemberg & Keeley, 1970;Thelen, Varble, &Johnson, 1968 The Rorschach was especially challenged not only by those outside our ranks but by those within (Aronow &Reznikoff, 1973;Buros, 1970Buros, ,1972Hertz, 1963Hertz, , 1970Holt, 1967Holt, , 1970Jackson & Wohl, 1966;Thelen & Ewing, 1970;Wade & Baker, 1972). Critics pointed to serious deficiencies in our research such as excessive preoccupation with scores, inappropriate application of norms, emphasis on pathology, hadequate and poorly defined criterion data, and neglect of relevant variables (e-g., stimulus properties of the blots, test behavior, interpersonal factors, et~.).…”

“…Of course, the literature records not only the progress we have made but also our failures and the many challenges that still exist as to the meaning and validity of many of our assumptions (Blatt, 1975;Goldfried et al, 1971;Hertz, 1970). Several lines of criticism have been prominent, I' m afraid, not without justification.…”

Changes in Rorschach Teaching

“…Criticism of the validity and reliability of projective testing, as well as the view that diagnosis is not essential for treatment, has contributed to controversy about projective techniques, which has been considered severe enough to be labeled a crisis (Hertz, 1970), chaos (Adelson, 1969), and anarchy (Zubin, Eron, & Schumer, 1965). To determine the effect of these negative attitudes on training in the Rorschach, still one of the most frequently used psychological tests (Lubin, Wallis, & Paine, in press), current university courses were surveyed to compare with 1961 (Lesser) and 1966 (Jackson & Wohl) reports about Rorschach teaching.…”

A Self-Report Questionnaire

“…If that approach is not considered to be even mandatory on this occasion, it is because recent presentations (e.g. Ames, 1970;Hertz, 1970) have accomplished the task of defending personality assessment with an impressive display of fact and logic which is judged to need no embellishment at this time.…”