title: Clinical utility of the Rorschach Inkblot Method: reframing the debate.
abstract: Recent published exchanges have focused on the clinical utility and diagnostic efficiency of the Rorschach Inkblot Method (RIM), but key issues remain unresolved. In this article, 5 principles for evaluating RIM research are offered to help reframe the ongoing debate in this area. These are (a) recognize what the test can and cannot do; (b) choose appropriate outcome criteria to assess RIM effectiveness; (c) use multimethod, multicriterion matrices to place results in an appropriate context; (d) consider limitations in the outcome criteria themselves; and (e) use experimental--not just correlational--data to contrast the results obtained with projective and self-report tests. Coupled with Weiner's (2000a) guidelines for RIM interpretation, the principles outlined here can improve RIM research and practice, and help resolve some longstanding controversies in this area.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Gettysburg College, PA 17325, USA. bbornste@gettysburg.edu
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Bornstein
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012392:Rorschach Test; D016896:Treatment Outcome