Use of the Rorschach in detecting perceptual differences among persons with motor disabilities.

Abstract

The Rorschach inkblot test has been used with various populations. This thesis investigated outdated and inconclusive past research as well as new and unexplored areas. The areas under investigation were two factors within the Rorschach inkblot test, popular and cooperative movement responses. Past research has indicated an association between popular responses and movement responses with motor impaired individuals. There has, however, been no research done on motor disabled individuals and the newly added score of cooperative movement. Thirty subjects who used wheelchairs or motorized scooters volunteered to take the test. The volunteers lived in Kansas and Texas and were from local colleges or rehabilitation centers. The scores of these participants were compared to the collected norms assessed by Exner. The statistical procedure used was a chi square to detect differences in the frequencies of popular and cooperative movement response between this score and the norms established by scores from Exner. The results indicated no significant differences between these two groups and Exner's norm groups. Because of the variability for diversity within the group tested, comparisons with past research should be made with caution. Investigation with a more controlled and homogenous group is recommended for future research.