Jossey-Bass,
A Wiley Imprint The Rorschach Inkblot test is the second most widely used psychological test in this country and abroad. It is assimilated into our culture to the extent that jokes can be told about it in the media, by comics, and they all get laughs because it is so widely known. This dissemination has proceeded in the face of a lengthy scientific controversy and credible scientific evidence that the procedure is invalid and unreliable. This book is the latest and most thoroughly documented presentation of the criticism of the Rorschach Inkblot test. It is well written, well organized, and offers the reader a concise, and complete history of the development of the Rorschach procedure, its spread, acceptance, use, and the damage it does to individuals and to the society. It fails to meet any of the requirements for a valid and reliable assessment procedure. It is used by many who do not know much about accurate assessment and rely upon totally idiosyncratic interpretation of symbols and symbolism. The effort to give the Rorschach a cover of scientific research in the Exner Comprehensive System is shown to be a mishmash of poor research, unreplicated studies, undocumented research data, and over reaching claims. It cannot and does not give any more secure base or believable assertions of validity and reliability. The book addresses and describes the damage done when misinformation and erroneous conclusions based upon the Rorschach are presented in courts or in evaluations of individuals for any other purpose. This can negatively affect individuals, social policy, and our society. It is not unusual for clinicians to proceed without complete knowledge. It is never possible to know all that could be or should be known about human behavior or a given individual. However, to proceed and to use a technique for which there is known negative evidence is both unethical and malpractice. This book makes it impossible for any clinician to use the Rorschach or base any opinion on it without being vulnerable to severe, and very likely effective, correct criticism. If for no other reason than being able to defend oneself, every person using the Rorschach should carefully study this book. Every person who, has been evaluated using the Rorschach should read it. Every clinician who does not use the Rorschach but may encounter it when used by others, should read this book. The book can be ordered from Amazon.com by clicking on the link below. It may also be obtained through a local book store or by calling 1-800-225-5945. Reviewed by Ralph Underwager, Institute for Psychological Therapies.
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