Principles and Practice of the Rorschach Test
- Type:
Book Reviews
- Author:
Dr W. Mons. Faber & Faber Ltd., London,
pp. 164. 12s. 6d.
In common with other pioneer Rorschach workers in this country, Dr Mons learnt the hard way, teaching himself by reading, experience, and comparison of notes with colleagues. With his own past tribulations in mind he sets out to smooth the path of beginners in this complex method of personality assessment, and does so with much skill. Unlike intelligence tests in which answers are scorable as correct or incorrect, there is in the Rorschach test no such measure of success or failure; indeed, in the latter a response of adverse significance in one record might be considered of positive value in the total personality pattern of another type. The test material consists of standardized inkblots upon ten cards, of which five are in monochrome and the rest partly or wholly coloured. To these the testee is asked to give his percepts, which are then scored in relation to location, to determining perceptual factors, to their content, and to the popular or original nature of things seen. Assessment depends upon the quantitative and qualitative interrelation of components, together with the clinical estimation of the material presented. There are thus involved measurable factors which can be matched against norms, so disciplining the tester’s approach; also the no less important analysis of conscious and unconscious themes apparent in the content of responses. A combination of both modes of assessment?of science and art?is essential if the Rorschach inkblot test is to produce a full and accurate picture of an individual personality with its effective and latent powers, personal trends and stresses, strength, weakness, mechanisms of defence, and other characteristics.
To produce a simple handbook on so elaborate a diagnostic instrument is a formidable task. Dr Mons’ courage is especially worthy of honour because, as noted in the preface, his book was compiled during the war, on active foreign service, having ” neither textbooks at hand nor access to my notes stored in England It is an amazing feat to have produced so good a book under such conditions, with only a rare slip for lack of references. Dr Mons modestly describes his work as an introduction to more advanced studies, but in addition to describing the mechanism of the test, he puts forward a number of original views and interesting suggestions upon the basis of a very wide range of cases. Besides adult work, Dr Mons has given the Rorschach test to over a thousand children of ages between 4 and 16 years, an experience probably unique in this country. It is to be hoped that he will later find time to publish his norms for various ages.
This book is admirably practical in plan and content, with excellent advice upon methods of recording. A chapter entitled ” The Practice of the Test ” supplies a long-felt want in setting the student on the right road, while later chapters on scoring and assessment are clearly set out and exemplified. The significance of separate signs in the various categories are lucidly described, with the use of familiar modes of reasoning and examples from everyday life to illustrate points which are further demonstrated by case records. It may be that too great stress is laid upon isolated signs as diagnostic factors instead of upon the balance of all factors in the total record; it may be that some of Dr Mons’ opinions will be challenged; but any criticism should be far outweighed by appreciation, with respectful congratulations to the author on producing the first British textbook upon the Rorschach method. T.A.
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