 |
| (4) |
The Rorschach test was first revealed in 1921(1a) Its name itself was used as another phrase for clinical psychology. (1a)It is a test that, if done correctly, can tell you a great deal about your client. Its how the interpretation of the results translates into information. (1a)Between 1950 and the 1960's there was a great deal of controversy about whether it was an effective test that provided reliable results or not. Regardless, the Rorschach test has become an 'important clinical tool' (1a) even in today's medical tools. Some people have described this test as 'an x-ray of the mind'(1a)
In layman's terms the Rorschach test is the ink-blot test , where you look at a series of images of distorted ink blots and you say what you see. whatever you say is recorded and gives the experiment-or an idea of how the client's mind works.
(1a)Originally Rorschach used his 'inkblots' as a way to record different people's perceptions of things. He believed it would help further research with schizophrenia. Other people tried to get him to join their work with his; two such people, called Binet and Henri believed his work could be 'useful in the study of visual imagination'. (1b) It is unclear why Rorschach decided to use inkblots specifically, in his work. (1c) "He used about 40 inkblot tests in his research and he collected data from 405 subjects." He studied both educated and uneducated people, so as to not discriminate. He tested everyone equally. (1c)He developed codes to record his findings; one of such codes was the subject matter of what each person saw in the picture. For example "A for animal, H for human, An for anatomy ect."
(1c) His work found that certain responses to the images in the inkblots related to certain behavioral characteristics and psychological ones too.
(1d)When Rorschach first got his work published, his ink blots were solid colors; however when they were printed to sell, the prints came out wrong and looked shaded, as opposed to solid colors. The saturation was completely different too. But instead of being angry, Rorschach got excited and saw it as a new way to test people, and so, continued on his research with these new images. (1d) He named his way of doing things as the ' Form Interpretation test'. He worked on this for four years.
(1e)The way the Rorschach test works, is that the person is being presented with something that is literally just shapes and splodges - its almost a game of projection; the person being tested knows there is nothing recognizable there and yet their brain creates a shape they recognize, to try and comprehend it. To make the thing they are seeing more relate-able and understandable. The idea is whatever you see says something about yourself; how your brain works.
(1f) All the responses from the test must be recorded in order to look at them later and come to a conclusion of behavior or mental state. (1g)It must be recorded EXACTLY so that if someone else reads your results they will know exactly what the client has said when looking at the test. (1h) You also need to redo the test once your client has finished - to see if they still see the same things when shown the image once again.
 |
| (5) |
(1i) Different types of response from the test:
- CONFABULATION (CONFAB)
which is a fancy term for 'justifying an idea because of something you see.' so for example, the client sees a claw in the inkblots and then from then on insists the picture is of a crab - he can't see the crab, but because the claw is there it must be a crab.
- AGGRESSIVE MOVEMENT (AG)
- MORBID CONTENT
Seeing dead objects, destroyed , things ruined or damaged, people hurt, things broken; dead plants, logs, ect, dead animals, broken mirrors, old shoes, injured animals, a sad tree, gloomy images, crying or sadness.
- PERSONALIZED ANSWERS
relating their answers to themselves;such as 'Oh we had one that looked like that' or 'I think...' or 'they make you wear things like that in the army' - they're using their first hand experiences to validate what they're seeing.
(3a)"Schizophrenic people who are preoccupied with aggressive and sexual fantasies are inclined to produce Rorschach content with themes of violent aggression and blatant sexuality"
 |
| (2a) |
(2a)Throughout the Rorschach's test results in various books, I've noticed a reoccurring layout.Three columns. In the first column, the card number is recorded; which picture is being viewed. In the second one, exactly what the client said when they saw it. In the last column is Rorschach's code. I will look more into that in a second.
(1J) Code for the Rorschach test results:
the blank space around it.
M movement Answers - if the viewer remarks they see a humanoid figure moving or something
performing a human movement such as an animal walking on its hind legs or doing a human
activity
FM Animal movement response - Animals moving in regular motions. If the animal is not
moving normally, or doing something common for that animal, mark it as M
m inanimate movement response - things that shouldn't move, moving. such as an apple, or a
house, or a tree, ect. inanimate objects.
C pure color response - when the colors mean more than the form -the viewer sees something in
the colours, not the shape.
CF colour form response - Similar to above, however shape does also play a secondary role.
FC Form-color response - exactly the same as above, except color is secondary and form is primary
C' Achromatic color - when the viewer is more focused on the lack of color and nothing to do with
the form.
(2) Pairs and reflections -The pair response - When the viewer sees two identical objects that are
symmetrical. It has no specific shape or form, such as clouds ect.
AOBJ Skulls and furs, skins and generally morbid bits of body (2d)
ddd very tiny details noticed (2c)
de small details noticed on the edges of the blob (2c)
di unusual details noticed inside the shape (2c)
 |
| (3b) |
(2b) more code
H human figures
Hd bits of human
A Animal figures
Ad parts of animal
At Anatomy - x-rays, anatomical charts
Obj - man made unnaturally occurring objects
N - Nature - landscapes
Arch - architecture - buildings
(4)"The Rorschach inkblot test is a method of psychological evaluation. Psychologists use this test to try and examine the personality characteristics and emotional functioning of their patients"
(6)I have looked into how the test might be achieved DIY style as I have decided to try it. The instructions are simple;
step one : you get a piece of plastic, maybe a carrier bag or some piece of perspex; something that is wipe-able,
Step two: squirt your ink/acrylic onto it.
step three: Then you fold it in two and gently press down so the pattern is perfectly mimicked on the other side.
Step four: Then you slowly un-peel the plastic and tap it flat so it doesnt move around.
Step five: Then you get your paper and press gently down on-top so it transfers it to your paper.
Leave to dry and there you have it; your very own Rorschach test!
step one : you get a piece of plastic, maybe a carrier bag or some piece of perspex; something that is wipe-able,
Step two: squirt your ink/acrylic onto it.
step three: Then you fold it in two and gently press down so the pattern is perfectly mimicked on the other side.
Step four: Then you slowly un-peel the plastic and tap it flat so it doesnt move around.
Step five: Then you get your paper and press gently down on-top so it transfers it to your paper.
Leave to dry and there you have it; your very own Rorschach test!
While creating these I will record myself making them for proof
Now I feel I understand more fully about the Rorschach test I am going to conduct some of my own experiments and see if the method of personality evaluation works. My aim here is to see how art can be used in the medical sense and how it can help people, with or without special needs.
I'm thinking of doing ten test images and interviewing at least five different people. I will record what they say and their code grade on the side and from that will evaluate and present my findings. I will also record the photos of the images I will have made and will be using. I will keep this test fairly anonymous so there will be no photos of the participants. If they wish for a fake name I will supply one.
Preparing my Rorschach test
- First of all I got my Ink and watered it down in a bowl - so it went further yet also would create the nice tonal shading on the images. I went for just black ink.
- I cut some blotting paper I had bought in A4 (I was advised by a friend it would create a nicer effect and the ink would spread easily without crumpling the paper)
- I got a spoon and after folding each sheet of paper, I dribbled and flicked the ink onto one side. I learnt not to use too much after the first three, where the ink filled the paper almost completely. As I didn't have any perspex I did it straight onto the paper.
- Then I gently folded the paper over at the crease and smoothed my hand over the paper, transferring the image to the other side.
- Then I gently peeled back the paper and laid it flat on some newspaper to dry. I did about 16 sheets but will only pick ten once dried, for my test. I plan to use the test on ten people - and show them each picture twice to double check their answers.
AGES 3-4 RESPONSE
(2e) Studies have shown that different ages respond differently to the Rorschach test. While recording the number of responses a child between 3 and 4 would give per picture, Rorschach stated that each child would only say a few things about each , and would more often than not reject some pictures and not say anything about them. He explained this by saying as the children were of such a young age, they didn't have many memories to draw from, so early in their lives and so didn't have the capacity to come up with more concepts. imagination starting to develop and get blurred with reality.
AGES 6-10 RESPONSE
(2f) Children at this age start to show a little less imagination than when they were younger, and see less fantastical creatures in the test as they are starting to come to terms with reality and see things how they are. In other words their imagination's creativity starts to diminish a little. This shows that their intelligence and understanding of things is growing and the amount of responses they give gets higher, and the rejections much less.
TIMING THE RESPONSES
(2g)Adults tend to think things through and properly look at something before making a decision, whereas it has been recorded in the Rorschach tests before that young children only take about ten seconds to make a decision. As children get older, they start to take longer, more like an adult. An adult usually takes between 30 and 60 seconds per picture.
(2h)"INDICATION OF PSYCHOTIC TENDENCIES IN CHILDREN"
(2h)In a lot of Rorschach's records, He has shown that children displaying psychotic tendencies often resort to a very autistic way of seeing things. Very black and white, and often fantasy. If such a response came from a young child, you would be less concerned than if it came from an older child, for instance a ten year old. One of Rorschach's records on page 53 shows a test being held with such a child. A lot of his answers are very sinister and dark. Lots of the word 'blood' being used, and aggressive imagery such a whipping and bleeding. (2i)
(2j) One other factor, as well as intelligence plays in the response of the client who partakes this test. Their background also affects a lot about what they see and say; for instance a person who has not had a lot growing up will have a totally different response to the same picture a wealthy and homely person might. The idea of this test is projection; you project past experiences and memories onto it.
(2k) YOU MUST RECORD
THE NUMBER OF PICTURES VIEWED
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF RESPONSES AND REJECTIONS PER PERSON
THE TOTAL TIME IT TOOK FOR THE WHOLE TEST.
THE AVERAGE TIME PER RESPONSE
AFTER TWO DAYS OF DRYING - HERE ARE MY CHOSEN TEN PICTURES FOR THE TEST
I DECIDED TO INCREASE THE CONTRAST ON MY PICTURES SO THEY BECAME SOLID BLACK. I DIDN'T WANT SHADING TO PLAY A PART IN THIS TEST - JUST SIMPLE SOLID COLOR. I HAVE KEPT THE ORIGINALS AS PHYSICAL COPIES IF REQUESTED.
 |
| Image 1 |
 |
| Image 2 |
 |
| Image 3 |
 |
| Image 4 |
 |
| Image 5 |
 |
| Image 6 |
 |
| Image 7 |
 |
| Image 8 |
 |
| Image 9 |
 |
| Image 10 |
Unless asked otherwise I will use all real names
Total time taken per image:
Gary Taylor
1: 26 seconds
2: 15 seconds
3: 18 seconds
4: 98 seconds
5: 61 seconds
6: 20 seconds
7: 58 seconds
8: 39 seconds
9: 45 seconds
10: 51 seconds
Total time to complete test
20 mins 37 seconds
Danniella Susan Graham
1: 13 seconds
2: 8 seconds
3: 37 seconds
4: 42 seconds
5: 14 seconds
6: 31 seconds
7: 20 seconds
8: 17 seconds
9: 24 seconds
10: 23 seconds
Total time to complete test
16 mins 40 seconds
Carly Gillham
1: 4 Seconds
2: 19 seconds
3: 12 seconds
4: 19 seconds
5: 13 seconds
6: 4 seconds
7: 9 seconds
8: 8 seconds
9: 3 seconds
10: 3 seconds
Total time to complete test
34 mins 13 seconds
Peter Chiutsi
1: 7 seconds
2: 18 seconds
3: 17 seconds
4: 24 seconds
5: 25 seconds
6: 15 seconds
7: 14 seconds
8: 11 seconds
9: 4 seconds
10: 12 seconds
Total time to complete test
16 mins 44 seconds
Lauren Pacher
1: 11 Seconds
2: 20 seconds
3: 6 seconds
4: 40 seconds
5: 46 seconds
6: 8 seconds
7: 41 seconds
8: 6 seconds
9: 21 seconds
10: 8 seconds
Total time to complete test
16 mins 19 seconds
Clarissa Jane Hill
1: 6 Seconds
2: 13 seconds
3: 7 seconds
4: 8 seconds
5: 7 seconds
6: 14 seconds
7: 37 seconds
8: 5 seconds
9: 7 seconds
10: 5 seconds
Total time to complete test
19 mins 46 seconds
Nicky SW Hewitt
1: 19 seconds
2: 26 seconds
3: 18 seconds
4: 13 seconds
5: 30 seconds
6: 17 seconds
7: 3 seconds
8: 3 seconds
9: 15 seconds
10: 7 seconds
Total time to complete test
CLIENT ONE; GARY TAYLOR 10 PICTURES TOTAL
RESPONSES: 10/10 REJECTIONS: 0
CARD AND RESPONSE
1) I see two creatures staring up at some sort of deity ...but they're in pain. A spine, here *traces with finger* This a rib-cage...the head of some kind of elephant creature.
DATA: (2) AOBJ AT Ad
2) I see a world war 2 bomber B52
DATA: Obj
3) I see 2 people shaking hands, or both holding a trophy. One has a very nice butt *points to curving blob and laughs*
DATA: Hd H de
4) *Don't see anything - turns picture around* I see an anchor and two piranhas.
DATA: Obj A
5) *Don't see anything - turns around* I can see a Mexican fighter - like nacho libre, but hes happy
and has closed eyes and a mustache.
DATA: H di
6) I see two fat mermaids trying to touch each other - but they're part octopus (these four arms) * viewing the picture horizontally*
DATA: H Hd Ad
7) *picks up and turns around* I can see a pelvis here, at the bottom a collar bone here A female's? *points to middle* This could be a womb?
DATA: At Hd
8) I can see two faces, conjoined - facing the opposite directions, looking into darkness. The darkness is spreading out from behind the heads.
9) I see a sad/ displeased face but its not entirely human. More like big-foot. Fur and massive shoulders. seems bored and unhappy with his life. *when asked why, he responds* He has down turned eyebrows and a flat mouth.
DATA: Hd Ad di
10) *turns picture around* I see a skull or a demon But malformed - tiny arms in a menacing pose.
The head doesn't represent human.
DATA: At F
CLIENT TWO; DANIELLE SUSAN GRAHAM 10 PICTURES TOTAL
RESPONSES: 10/10 REJECTIONS: 0
CARD AND RESPONSE
DATA: M AOBJ Ad
DATA: H
1) I see a creature with a long trunk and sad eyes. 2 teeth, large wings, outstretched arms as if looking for guidance.
DATA: M AOBJ Ad
2) I see a skeletal bird with wide wings and a long beak. Its in flight
DATA: A AOBJ
3) *Turns picture around* I see a wide panda, markings just below its eyes. It's standing upright. It has perky ears.
DATA: A FM
4) *Turns picture around* I see a demon with its eyes open. Mouth open wide with two pincers inside. The demon is going up and down a pole. As if its only allowed to go up and down - it cant move sideways.
DATA: M F AOBJ
5) *Turns picture round* I can see a smiling old Russian man with a hat. He looks peaceful warm and happy.
DATA: H
6) *Turns picture around* In the bottom I can see two lions standing on a cliff, trying to reach each other but they're too far apart. In the top I can see 2 old spirits parting ways. The old spirits hearts are being torn apart, either by death or separate lives. The lions represent life and the old spirits represent death.
DATA: A FM H N
7) I can see a large sea predator reaching out, mouth open wide to eat its prey. I can also see two young seahorses trying to reach each other but they cant.
DATA: A FM
8) *Turns picture round* I can see two old dragons with outstretched wings, sat atop a pedestal, talking to each other.
DATA: Arch A FM
9) I can see a dragon with its wings outstretched. Tongue out but the dragon has a face of a monkey on the back. But the monkey is scared and in distress. sad and fearful.
DATA: FM A di
10) I can see a winged creature with a skeletal face and angry eyes. spiting fire and he has pointy ears.
DATA: Ad M
CLIENT THREE; CARLY GILLHAM 10 PICTURES TOTAL
RESPONSES: 10/10 REJECTIONS: 0
CARD AND RESPONSE
1) Ribcage. *turns it around* A bat with a trunk with upside down crosses from the catholic religion. I don't feel like I should say this next bit...but it looks a bit like a vagina. You know the two little lumps in the middle? yeh those...I see clouds....decay. *when asked why decay she responded with* Its starting to rot away. The picture looks like its disintegrating
DATA: AOBJ At Ad Arch?
2) I see that womby thing - the ovaries? I can see a pelvis * turns around picture* A flying castle? no....A flying gladiator? No! A flying arena! Yes definitely that. An elephant with a mustache. Trees....and fire *when asked 'are the trees on fire? she responds with* No this way the black look like treetops, but when you look at the white and turn it the other way it looks like the side of flames.
DATA: At Arch A N
3) Oh! Mountains! *Turns around picture* I see a face with puckered lips. Then if I turn it around I see a face with fangs. I see weeds? Or...people? A wall of dying people decaying but they're alive ( reference to a game called Dante's inferno) These bits *pints to bottom centre) look like heads and limbs sticking out.
DATA: N Hd Aobj
4) Pterodactyls (Flying dinosaurs) Falling Islands - falling from the sky like they were floating and fell. *turning picture round* I see a menacing face with high cheekbones and two ladies lying down straight - arms at their sides with their feet touching.
DATA: A N Hd H
5) A yawning face. I see a skull's face, but he has a big mustache. I see ski goggles. I think its a bugs face? a rat? maybe a buggy rat? Definitely a bug's face.
DATA: Aobj Ad Hd
6) Hands reaching out for each other. Two women, but the top half is woman and the bottom half is rock, reaching away from each other. facing opposite directions. I see a face - I think its a sheep. Yeh a sheep. Very sad sheep. Poor sheep. Gorilla men facing each other in tall hats.
DATA: Hd H A Ad
7) It's that beetle thing! That beetle thing with the big node and its mouth wide open! scarab beetle? more of a dinosaur's mouth really. Muscly arms. *turns upside down* I see a buck toothed Chinese woman with huge horns. Its like a dragon type of mask.
DATA: Ad Hd H
8) *turns around an then back to its original position* Mountain range with a valley or chasm with the middle missing. a massive hole. A pair of lungs and a badgers face. *turns upside down again* Towers, two of them, with some sort of weird blob flying towards them. Black men's faces
DATA: N At Ad Arch M
9) AWWWW!! It's a cute little creature with little folded arms in front of it. He's looking up. A neutral dragon, spitting out something - not sure what. Neutral as in - he's not good or bad...he's neutral. Also a piranha.
DATA: Ad M A
10) *Turns over and points to the bottom left* Towers made out of coral - two woman with done up hair (like olden times) big poofy white wigs. facing each other with knives in the back of their necks. And a really sad creature. That's so sad! He has hair like a clown. probably the reason he's sad! And a little fish, just chilling. A face with big eyebrows, tiny eyes and mouth. Cheek dimples.
DATA: Arch H Aobj Hd
CLIENT FOUR; Peter Chiutsi
10 PICTURES TOTAL
RESPONSES: 9/10 REJECTIONS: 1
CARD AND RESPONSE
1) I see a wasp - like one of those insects that fly? I see eyes - a long nose and wings. these look like legs - to me anyway and a tail/. The wasp is sort of smiling.
DATA: A
2) *Turns upside down* This looks like Gnarls Barkley's 'Crazy' music video. I see a person with their hands up - with wings above him.
DATA: (2) FC H
3)*Turns sideways* I feel like its like an island with two rocks, which are joined by a smaller rock.
DATA: N FC
4) *Turns upside down and sideways* REJECTED
DATA: n/a
5) *turns upside down* I see like a face - an animal's face but don't know what animal it is. It's not a very good looking animal. It looks more like a bear's face. Uglier than a bear though. Blankly staring.
DATA: A AD di
6) *Turn's upside down* I see two people who are like the same - they've joined one hand but are trying to join the other one. Its not complete. Cloud on top of them.
DATA: H (2) N
7) hmm, interesting. Its like two people dancing. *turns picture sideways* Now it looks like two penises - joined but facing two different directions.
DATA: H Hd
8) *turns upside down* on this one...yeh dunno why. I see two pillars that are separated,but joined by a smaller pillar. Nothing else.
DATA: Arch
9) I see like a really chubby animal. It looks like an owl. Its looks like its got a halo sort of thing.
DATA: A de
10) *turns upside down* Ok this one at first glance I saw a skull with a hat. The skull looks serious. Whereas now I look at it again and I see a plane in midair. A war plane.
DATA: At Obj Hd
CLIENT FIVE; LAUREN PACHER
10 PICTURES TOTAL
RESPONSES: 10/10 REJECTIONS: 0
CARD AND RESPONSES
1) I kinda see a sting-ray - a really weird one *turns upside down* yeh, a big manta ray but extra legs coming out of the bottom.
DATA: A Ad
2) OK, So I do see a person at the bottom. It looks like he's controlling water like Moses. Male figure. Maybe a tree in the middle but that's about it.
DATA: H N
3) I see an alien panda. A panda with four eyes.
DATA: A Ad
4) *turns sideways* *Turns upside down* I can make out lampost figures and maybe some hands. *Turns sideways again* Maybe two people - reflection in water like they're stood in a puddle.
DATA: Arch Hd H N
5) *turns upside down* Its kind of looks like a face but only if its upside down. It's happy. It's not a human face - like a character someone's made up for a cartoon.
DATA: Hd H
6) I see a reflection of a fox *viewing from sideways* in a puddle. A chicken behind him? Legs stretched out out *Turning upside down* It's a chicken stood normally with its neck stretches out high.
DATA: A FM
7) *turns upside down* Again its kind of a face. Its got hair in the shape of cupped hands *turns sideways* I see a big person and a little person. shorter, smaller head, could be a child. I see a foot as well
DATA: H Hd
8) I see an old fashioned microphone. metal one
DATA: Obj F
9) *turns upside down* Kind of see like a guitar shape but bigger. A chello?
DATA: Obj
10) looks like a bat chasing a moth *both right way up and upside down* The moth has the pattern of a butterfly on its back, like a tattoo.
DATA: A Ad Fm
CLIENT SIX; CLARISSA HILL
10 PICTURES TOTAL
RESPONSES: 10/10 REJECTIONS: 0
CARD AND RESPONSES
1) Skeleton or bat hanging upside down
DATA: At Hd A
2) *Turns upside down* Looks like a lampost in the park - lit *turned it back to the right way up* There's a little man, trees and bushes.
DATA: Arch or Obj N H
3) Its a bear. His little face in the middle. The picture looks quite empty/
DATA: A
4) I see like hands reaching into the middle of a mirror. *turns upside down* Looks like a dragon's shoulders and wings curled inward. You can only see his eyes and outline of his nose and chin. Its like he's on a skewer, which can't be good.
DATA: Hd A Obj
5) It's somebody smiling with a scrunched up face or two bears on-top of each other. A smaller bear on-top of the bigger bear's head. It looks like a Paddington.
DATA: H A Hd
6) I see dancing little ladies right at the bottom with dresses on *upside down* There's priests touching hands with two little love hearts above them.
DATA: H
7) *turns upside down* Devil. Horns at the top, eyes squinted. Smoke around it smiling but not smiling at the same time. A little bit like the joker, with his scars. (Batman reference)
DATA: Hd Di FC
8) Two butterflies trying to fly into each other - or two birds fighting over food. getting into a scrap with each other. *turning upside down* Say, if a shadow was white - its the outline of a man's face. The profile. He's got a blank expression.
DATA: A H de FM
9) A cow's face in the white in the middle- looking confused. *turns upside down* Like if there's a picture drawn of a mask - but its got color running from it. Running away into its own little bubble. Doing what it wants to do really. *turned upside down* Now I can see two Egyptian Spinx with hats.
DATA: A F M (2)
10) People dancing - floaty dresses with feathers on. A spotlights on them *upside down* Another bat hanging upside down with a little butterfly on the bat's bottom of his torso.
DATA: H A
CLIENT SEVEN; NICKY SW HEWITT
10 PICTURES TOTAL
RESPONSES: 9/10 REJECTIONS: 1
CARD AND RESPONSE
1) Can I be really morbid? The skeleton of an elephant. Front doesn't look dead but it's back does. *Turns picture around* Turn it this way an it looks like a butterfly.
DATA: A At Ad Aobj
2) *turns over and over again* REJECTED
DATA: n/a
3) From this angle it looks just like mountains. Like when in films you can see all the boulders falling from the top and making a bridge in the middle of a valley. The rest is just a blob.
DATA: N (2)
4) *turns portrait* That just looks like a nightmare. Upside down it looks like an alien. Really really disturbing. I hate aliens as it is, and its looking at me with little hands. Really angry. It looks like it wants to kill me!
DATA: Aobj H Hd Ad F
5) That honestly just looks like a clown that's been hit in the face with a frying pan. He's a very happy clown. I see only one clown. *used the words; smashed in the face*
DATA: H F M Obj
6) *Turns upside down* that just looks like the little mermaid. A cross between the little mermaid and the who's from the Grinch. There's two of them, touching like they're going towards someone they haven't seen in ages. When you're not sure if to hug them or not. Unknown reaction so stick to playing it safe. Reaching rather than embracing.
DATA: H Ad M
7) In the middle it's a cowboy with two guns on either side and a cartoon cloud over the top (dark). Not a happy cowboy. His eyes are shut and his eyebrows are pointing downward like he's frowning.
DATA: H Obj N
8) It like years ago when the continents separated; pulling apart. It looks like someones pulling apart a map - like melted stringy cheese.
DATA: N m F
9) *Turns upside down* The top bit looks a bit like a masquerade mask. Then it's as if the edges of the mask are melting into like a fluid. Into a puddle.
DATA: Obj N m
10) It looks like an old war plane, dropping bombs - but mixed with a futuristic aircraft - but its more alien than human.
DATA: Obj Arch?
INTERPRETATIONS/CONCLUSIONS
I found a lot of Gary's imagery to be very angry yet also perhaps a bit scared. A lot of his responses include two people or creatures - so I'm thinking this has something to do with an underlying issue he has with a particular person. Perhaps his lover? The creatures in his response to picture one are 'staring up at some kind of deity in pain'. Perhaps this means both him and his partner have set themselves a goal which they are working to achieve but its not working? That they're 'cutting their noses off to spite their face' or he feels someone is going along the same path as him and suffering the same way he is? In picture two, again - he sees two people, but this time holding a trophy. Perhaps him and his partner have achieved a goal they set? Or he feels he has something worth holding onto. The trophy could symbolize pride in something.
He sees a few skeletal features as well such as rib-cages and skulls - which could reflected a more dark, morbid side of him. The war plane he sees is also an negative image....maybe he feels like he's a war with someone? Or perhaps in a situation that may suddenly change at any moment -(bombs, ect)
Picture three, he sees an anchor and two piranhas. This could symbolize an anchor in his life. perhaps he has someone who is his rock? Someone or something which helps keep his life on track? Piranhas are negative imagery again - flesh eating fish - perhaps he feels stranded sometime and the only way to overcome his problem is to pass a situation where he feels he's treading carefully? Lest the metaphorical piranhas get him? Picture eight, his response was 'two faces with darkness spreading out from behind them'. This could represent dark pasts or memories that aren't happy or favored, coming to light between two people. Maybe it could be moods - dark feelings of anger or sadness? He also said they were 'conjoined'. This could represent he feels a connection with someone. In picture 9 he said he sees 'a displeased face' then he said it seems 'bored and unhappy with his life' which.....I don't think even needs interpreting. I think He's literally just said something profoundly accurate to his feelings. Overall I would say Gary Taylor is a person who hasn't quite found his happiness yet. He feels a strong connection with someone or something, very clearly, and he also shows a lot of anger in his visual responses. Underlying issues that may need to be addressed.
Danielle Susan Graham:
Looking at Danni's responses, I can see a lot of need to be liked or with people. A lot of her responses show two creatures , be they lions, seahorses, ect, trying to reach each other or out to each other. This could show she's trying to connect with people/ friends/ lover, but sometimes feels distant and can't connect or click properly with them. She also uses sad imagery, such as in picture one when she says 'a long trunk and sad eyes' and in picture 6 when she sees two old spirits, having their hearts ripped apart - separating ways. Perhaps this means shes frightened of having her heart broken or 'ripped out her chest' - this shows insecurity about relationships - as the figures can represent herself and a friend/lover/ parent. She's terrified something will end badly. In picture 4 she sees a demon going 'up and down a pole' - but she also mentions 'It CAN'T move sideways'. This could be a blatant feeling of not being able to divert from a set path. She feels things must be done a certain way or feels she has to do something and can't act or go down a different path. Maybe she feels she's being controlled? In picture 7 she sees a 'sea predator with its mouth open to catch its prey'. The fact she said 'sea' could mean she feels adrift - lost in a wave of emotions or issues, and the sea predator could represent an insecurity or a worry she has, coming after her. She sees a dragon in picture 9 - with a 'monkey on its back' There is actually a saying; ' he's got a monkey on his back' means - he has a problem. Perhaps Danni has unintentionally used this meaning to suit her situation. She knows she has an issue or problem it is doing her best to put on a tough exterior (the dragon) so everyone thinks everything is ok. The monkey is ' scared and in distress'; I think she has pretty much summed up herself with that one. (It is recorded that this client suffers from anxiety) That also relates to image 10 when she's used the words ' spitting fire'; she either has an explosive temper or is sharp with her words. However in picture 5, she sees a 'warm, happy smiling old Russian man'. This can show shes content with a situation or feels safe with a certain person. (Positive imagery) In picture one, again, going back to that, she says 'as if looking for guidance'. That shows insecurity in herself and perhaps feeling lost.
Carly Gillham
Carly's responses show she has very sexual thinking; lots of imagery about women, vaginas, kissing lips, ect. She also shows....(trying not to be too stereotypical of a Rorschach test here), psychotic tenancies; a lot of aggressive and dark imagery. Rib-cages, and skulls, fangs and dying people features a lot in her responses. Fire and words she used like 'disintegrating' all show negative imagery. She also uses words in picture two, such as 'gladiator, arena, castle' - words which are usually associated with fighting or defense. This could show deep inside she feels vulnerable but covers it up by trying to appear aggressive? Definitely has a love for things morbid, as she expressed enthusiasm when talking about 'the wall of dying bodies' in picture 3. Pterodactyls in picture four - more aggressive imagery as these are meat eating dinosaurs that hunt from the skies and scare everything on the ground. Maybe Carly feels if she put everybody below her and acts aloof or tougher, she can intimidate those who she doesn't like or trust. As a flying dinosaur would size up prey on the ground, before diving for the kill, Carly distances herself from people she hates and then jumps on the first chance to hate them? This shows unhealthy negative mind set. The 'menacing face with high cheekbones' could represent a parental or teacher figure that Carly feels intimidated by. Or even a peer. Perhaps she feels she is being looked down at a lot. In picture five she says about 'Ski goggles' This again can represent a mask; putting on a pretense so others can't see how hurt she can get. Hiding her vulnerability. In picture 6 she sees 'hands reaching out for each other'; this can suggest shes asking for friendship and guidance but may not be receiving any back? Or she's trying to connect with someone as they are with her, but its not quite complete yet? The sad sheep she also sees in the picture is interesting. sheep are flock animals, so seeing an alone one may suggest she feels isolated and that she should be going along with everyone else but at the same time this saddens her. she doesn't want to be the same as everyone else and do the same things. Routine bores her? In picture 9 she says she sees ' a neutral dragon' which is an interesting choice of words. This could show she again, puts on a tough exterior (The dragon) yet at the same time has her own life - things others do don't tend to affect her, She doesn't like to pick sides? The women in big poofy white wigs in picture 10 could show Carly's romanticist idea of women and success. She also said 'they have a knife in the back of their necks'. This could show betrayal. Carly's been hurt by someone she never thought would hurt her. As if her back had been turned and someone had plunged a knife into her neck, thus the women she sees. The sad clown also shown in her response shows a mask. Trying to be someone she's not, and its making her miserable.
Peter Chiutsi
From Peter's results I can see he's a very literal and observant person. His response to picture two, was that it looked like 'Gnarl's Barkley's crazy video' ( which was based on the Rorschach test, amusingly enough) He also said he saw a person with their hands up - perhaps in peace or surrender? Maybe this shows he is an easy-going person who easily accept responsibility or who doesn't like confrontation, so he just lets things go. The sort to hold his hands up and goes 'Okay whatever'. In picture 2 he says he sees two rocks joined by a smaller rock, and in picture 8 he see two pillars joined together by a smaller pillar; this could show he's building bridges with people or wants to. He may want to meet more people - or it could mean he's feeling connected with someone in particular. In picture 9 he said he saw an owl. This is interesting when paired with the last thing we noticed, about the wanting to build bridges. A girl he went out with once, loved Owl's, and the fact he sees a halo behind it could mean he's idealized the idea of being in a relationship. Perhaps the building bridges means he wants to get close to someone again; and the last person that he was so close to, was his ex. Maybe he wants to pursue another relationship? In picture 10 he sees a serious looking skull, which could suggest that being his kindness and easy going nature, he can be serious and stern. The he said he sees a war plane. This could suggest he feels like his situation might change at any given moment (bombs- calm before the storm ect) so hes either waiting for something to happen or he's afraid of a change that might be on its way. In picture 7 he sees two people dancing - again, a past time which is stereotypical of a couple; girl and boy, maybe this means he's longing to 'have someone to dance with?' He wants to find his dance partner. Then he told me he sees 'two penises that are joined but facing opposite directions'. This could suggest that although himself and his ex were sexually compatible, they had two different ideas of what they wanted in life. Maybe he feels that he has sex with people but doesn't really connect with them? This theory is backed up with his response to picture 6. He said it looks like 'two people who are like the same - one hand joined, trying to join the other one, but its not complete'. This might suggest he's looking for his partner. Someone to share his life and good times with. Be that a friend or a lover. In picture 1 Peter told me he saw a smiling wasp. Wasps tend to be negative imagery as they are seen as unpredictable and aggressive, yet this one is smiling. Maybe this means that underneath Peter has a temper on him, but prefers to just let things go?
Lauren Pacher
In picture one, Lauren says she sees a sting-ray, which are elegant yet deadly creatures. This might suggest that while Lauren may seem mild mannered now and then but when you get her angry she has a vicious streak? (metaphor - poisonous barb in the tail) or it could suggest she seems placid until provoked? In Picture two she sees a person, parting the sea like Moses. Perhaps she feels someone is taking control of her life, and guiding her down a certain path. If she diverts, either side, she will be lost in the sea. This could mean she only has a set route in mind and any detours may not be a good idea. The fact she specified a male figure is interesting as well ; perhaps a teacher or a lover or a friend is influencing her in some way? Or perhaps manipulating her? In picture 4 she says about seeing 'lampost figures' which suggests guidance once again - she's being shown the way. Perhaps she feels lost and someone is guiding her towards the light? She also says a lot about reflections, both in picture 4 and picture 6. This could suggest shes looking at herself from an outside point of view and evaluating how she's doing. Being self critical perhaps? Picture 5 shows a lot more positive imagery. Lauren said she saw a happy cartoon face. Which shows that most of the time she is quite a happy content person - the fact that the face is exaggerated to become cartoon shows that she often is very laid back (Cartoons are almost a lazy way of drawing) In picture 6, Lauren saw a fox staring at its reflection. Now foxes are crafty and cunning, which could suggest Lauren is very clever and knows how to achieve goals. Or if she is putting herself in the position of the chicken stood behind the fox, its shows she feels like she is being chased by forces out of her control; worries perhaps, loans debt, problems with work. Things that generally make you feel anxious and uncomfortable. As the fox is a predator and she would be the prey, as the chicken, it shows she feels something is always there, worrying her. Also foxes are very brightly colored and stand out a lot, which could suggest she doesn't like being center of attention, yet sometimes it can't be helped. perhaps due to excelling or not in work, or a special talent. The chicken stretching its neck out could tell us shes going out of her way to help a friend, stretching out to go out of her way to do something - or it could show us she's trying to raise herself above a problem and not react to it. Perhaps someone is annoying her? She also shows responses to do with musical talents. She mentions a metal microphone in picture 8, as well as a cello in picture 9. Perhaps she has a special talent? or fond memory to do with music? In picture 10 Lauren told me she sees a bat, chasing a moth, trying to eat it - with a butterfly on its back. Again, she could be putting herself in the wings of the moth, and the bat is representing her problems and worries, trying to catch up with her. The butterfly on it's back might suggest that although she knows she will have to turn and deal with her problems eventually, that some good will come of it. A fresh start perhaps?
Clarissa Hill
The first thing I can tell from CJ's responses, is she has morbid imagery in her pictures. She mentioned a skeleton and a bat straight off the mark, which shows she may have a dark side to her mind. In picture two she sees a lampost in the park. It's turned on, This could suggest shes looking for a way out of darkness. A light at the end of the tunnel. She may feel shes surrounded by a difficult situation, or worries and problems, but she either can see a way out of it, or is looking for one. In picture 4 she sees a little bear's face. She described the image as 'empty' which might suggest how she is feeling. maybe it relates to her child? Feeling that she hasn't got enough support to bring her child up, or enough of a positive environment. The bear could represent the child. In picture 4 she sees hands reaching into the center of a mirror, which could mean shes either looking at herself and assessing how she's doing - or it could mean shes reaching out for help - from a friend or a partner. Maybe she isn't getting any effort reaching out in return? The 'dragon's shoulder and wings curled inwards' show shes feeling vulnerable, as the dragon is in a submissive, protective pose. She may be feeling frightened, but is trying to seem tough and fine on the outside (hence the dragon) The fact the dragon is also said to be on a skewer shows she feels either she has to follow a set course with her life, or she feels caught in the middle of something, with no way out. In picture 5 she said she sees a bigger bear and a smaller bear and a scrunched up happy face, which shows she has a deep happy connection to her daughter. In picture 6 CJ told me she saw little ladies dancing, as well as two priest's touching hands with little love hearts above them. This shows she has a lot of love to give and the dancing ladies shows she might want to drop all her worries and just relax. dance - act like a teenager. All the worries of being a parent gone for a brief second. The next picture, 7, takes a darker turn. The second she saw the picture she said 'Devil' and said it was 'smiling but not smiling at the same time'. Perhaps she feels someone influential in her life is taking advantage or manipulating her? Someone who makes her happy yet unhappy? Someone who represents bad but still shows kindness? In picture 8 CJ said she sees two butterflies flying into each other (typical fighting territorial behaviour around mating times) and two birds scrapping for food. perhaps this means she feels she is always fighting with someone close to her. She feels confrontational and aggression. She sees the profile of a man's face - could that have something to do with it? Perhaps a parent or friend or lover? Picture 9's response was of a small cow's face, in the negative space of the picture. CJ said the cow looked confused. This could suggest she feels lost with her life and feels like she sticks out a lot. She doesn't do things the conventional way (she uses the white to create a picture, whereas a lot of people focused mainly on the black). She also said she can see a mask, with color running out from behind it, off into its own little space. This suggests she's sick of hiding behind a mask - pretending to be somthing she's not. So her true colors are slowly slipping through. Perhaps, as the mask is generally worn on the face the darkness could be tears. this could suggest great sadness has happened in her life. The two Egyptian Spinx she sees are also symbols of wisdom and guardian-ship. Perhaps this could show her maternal nature? A want to protect and advise others around her?
In picture 10 , CJ told me she could see more people dancing. In floaty dresses and spotlights. this could suggest she wants to lead a carefree life, and float around without any worries, but the spotlight may symbolize her feeling of being put on the spot, and like she's been 'picked out' . She may feel an unwanted center of attention on her. Perhaps she feels like she has to live up to something - to be a specific role model others, or her daughter look up to. She feels the pressure. She also saw a bat with a butterfly on its back. The bat may symbolize her worries and dreads; as bats are creatures of the night - night symbolizes darkness and feeling lost; but she knows that when they all catch up with her, hope and happiness may come from it. A light at the end of the tunnel sort of deal.
Nicky SW Hewitt
Nicole's responses tell me she's very appearance based and likes to keep a mask on her true self. A few of her responses; pictures 5 and 9 she said she saw a mask and a clown - both are used to hide one's face so onlooker's don't know who is behind the mask. Clowns disguise themselves with makeup and masks hide people's faces. Both of these suggest Nicky likes to put on an act. Pretend to be something she's not as she may be insecure or worried about what people think of her. In picture 1 she saw an elephant that was half alive half dead - maybe this says something about her life or attitude to things? some things she has under control and is flourishing in, whereas other aspects - not so much. Maybe she dreading something that is catching up with her? On her tail? From picture 3's response of ' mountains, falling rocks to make a bridge in the middle of a valley', we can see that Nicky may feel like things are spiraling out of her control, as rocks would fall down a cliff face, but the bridges part makes me think she feels she is starting to connect with people and build stronger relationships. Perhaps its a want to form a secure connection or attachment to someone. Picture 4, she told me she saw a very aggressive scary looking alien; this could suggest her fear of the unknown. Not knowing what the following year may bring, not knowing how to react to alien situations. Maybe the alien represents a conflicting party that Nicky is dreading or is dealing with at the moment, and she isn't sure how to react to it. A situation that scares her. feeling threatened by he unknown. In picture 5 she told me she saw the clown being 'hit in the face with a frying pan' - this suggests that despite all her acting, Nicole still feels that aggression and confrontation is coming at her, not matter who she tries to be. She feels like some situations are too much and literally smack into her without warning. In picture 6, Nicky said something interesting ' Unknown reaction so stick to playing it safe' when it comes to hugging someone you haven't seen for a long time. This is self explanatory. Nicky feels intimidated by certain social norms, at times and may find it hard to engage with other people on their level. perhaps she has trust issues with people? The fear that the person she is greeting will suddenly act differently to how she expects, and then she wouldn't know how to react to that. 'Reaching out rather than embracing' - shows she has trouble getting close to people. definitely a trust thing. Perhaps she has been hurt before and is frightened of being hurt again. Perhaps by someone she cared about very deeply. In picture 7 she told me she sees a cowboy, between two guns. This suggests she feels stuck in the middle of a situation that is beyond her control and either way is out of her hands. She's feeling aggression and perhaps frustration from both parties? She's treading on eggshells a lot of the time. Worried she'll set one of the 'guns' off. The cowboy not being happy shows she isn't either. Same goes for picture 10 ' continents being pulled apart' - she feels like something is manipulating her or forcing her to do something she may not want to do. Nicky doesn't like things being beyond her control. She starts to panic. It relates back to the mask idea - she can control that. but when faced with something she can't, she gets unhappy. Number 10 - the warplane dropping bombs suggests she either has an explosive temper, that, if at the wrong moment provoked, will lead to ruin and silence, or more likely, she feels the calm before a storm? The calm before an air raid. Something will happen she just doesn't know what yet. Or where it's coming from. Possibly also the bombs can represent, again - situations or scenarios that confront Nicky and she has to deal with them but doesn't like to or perhaps how to?
This has been an incredibly interesting experiment and I've learned that art can be interpreted in many different ways by different people. People tend to project their past emotions or experiences onto what they are seeing in order for their brains to personalize and process it. I had so much fun researching and trying this project out. It took two - three whole weeks but now, at the end of it I realize how much I have learnt about people and how this test works. I think that its taught me a valuable lesson; no matter what your work is - different people will see it differently. some will love it, some will hate it. Its all about perspective. I never knew how just a simple thing such as an Ink blot test could show you so much about a person. No wonder they used in in medical records. Its an incredibly enlightening process. I showed all the participants my conclusions and most of them agreed I had got it spot on and they said how amazing it was that I found out so much about them just from how they perceived something. I am eager to learn how else art can be used in the medical world and how it can help people with mental health difficulties.
Its so interesting as a lot of people I did this test on - people that I knew and didn't know , all of them said I got their evaluation spot on and its eerie how well I read into and about them.
References:
Books
(1)A comprehensive System Volume 1; Basic foundations (second edition)
by John E. Exner, Jr.
ISBN 04 7180704-4
originally published in 1974
(1a)Page 3
(1b)page 4
(1c) page 5
(1d)page 6
(1e) page 28
(1f) page 68
(1g) page 70
(1h)page 72
(1i) pages 166 - 167
(1J) Page 101
(2a) Rorschach with children
by Jessie Francis Williams
ISBN: 080130577
first edition in 1968 page 77
(2b) page 16
(2c) page 12
(2d) page 16
(2e)page 23
(2f)page 33
(2g) Page 36
(2h)Page 52
(2i) page 53
(2j)Page 45
(2k)Page 63
(2d) page 16
(2e)page 23
(2f)page 33
(2g) Page 36
(2h)Page 52
(2i) page 53
(2j)Page 45
(2k)Page 63
(3a) A comprehensive System Volume 3; Assessments of children and adolescents (second edition)
by John E. Exner, Jr. & Irving B. Weiner
ISBN: 0471093645
date originally published unknown
page 223
(3b) page 94
Online sources
(4)http://www.psych.usyd.edu.au/psyche/fun_rorschach_test.htm
(5)http://www.psychologistsouthcoast.co.za/index.php/assessments
(6)http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Rorschach-painting-in-5-minutes/step8/What-do-you-see/
(6)http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Rorschach-painting-in-5-minutes/step8/What-do-you-see/
No comments:
Post a Comment