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Let's call the whole thing off: a response to Dawes (2001)
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-8218, USA. wperry@ucsd.edu
Psychological Assessment
|December 25, 2003
Summary
The Rorschach test
Area of Science:
- Psychological Assessment
- Psychometrics
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- The Rorschach test has faced recent controversy regarding its validity.
- This comment addresses criticisms of the Ego Impairment Index (EII), a Rorschach-derived measure.
- Criticisms by R. M. Dawes (2001) are examined as examples of challenges to the Rorschach.
Discussion:
- Dawes's arguments are analyzed, highlighting potential bias in evaluating the Rorschach and psychological assessment.
- Parallel examples are used to demonstrate the biased judgment against the Ego Impairment Index (EII).
- Despite criticisms, Dawes's own results (2001) support the incremental validity of the EII.
Key Insights:
- The Ego Impairment Index (EII) demonstrates incremental validity, supporting its utility.
- Criticisms of the Rorschach test may be subject to biased evaluation methods.
- Empirical results, even within critical analyses, can support the validity of Rorschach-derived measures.
Outlook:
- The Rorschach controversy has generated limited new ideas despite significant attention.
- It is proposed that the ongoing debate surrounding the Rorschach test should conclude.
- Further research should focus on constructive advancements in psychological assessment rather than perpetuating controversy.