Larsen, E.A. / Published 1968 / Dissertation
Citation: Larsen, E. A. (1968). A pre-normative and predictive study of the college student Rorschach. Dissertation Abstracts International, 29, 2204B-2205B. (University Microfilms No. 68-14389)
Thesis directed by Assistant Professor Peter G. Ossorio
Abstract: This study was undertaken to (1) provide a sample of normative college student Rorschach responses and (2) to test relationships between Rorschach and TAT variables.
Fifty-seven females and forty-seven males from introductory psychology courses were seen in small groups, wrote out, and rated their responses to the Rorschach and six TAT cards.
The Rorschach was scored by Klopfer's scoring system. Both the author and another clinician scored a sample of responses. Reliability of scoring was comparable to previously reported studies.
No differences in mean number of responses falling into the various location and determinant categories was found between males and females; between freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors; or between female nursing and non-nursing majors.
For each hypothesis relating a Rorschach to a TAT variable two groups of subjects as different as possible on the relevant Rorschach variable were compared on the relevant TAT variable which was measured by the subject's rating of his stories.
1. Color and human movement were not related to productivity (length of story) either singly or in combination. This may be interpreted as casting doubt on the relevance of stylistic variables of the TAT response, or alternatively, as lack of support for the hypothesized relationships.
2. Color and human movement were not differentially related either to frequency or relative length of stories with and without thinking themes.
3. Flexor M was more related to lack of clearly defined goals than was extensor M when scoring of Flexor/extensor M was based on movement toward or away from the center of the blot.
4. Inanimate movement was not related to lack of control over events or feelings. Flowing versus explosive movement was not predictive of whether force was internal or external to the subject.
5. Amount of color was not related to amount of feeling in TAT stories.
6. Greater frequency of CF than FC was related at the .05 level to presence of more strong feeling on TAT stories. But greater FC than CF was not related to more comfort and ease about presence of feeling.
7. Predominance of warm or cool color on the Rorschach was not related to non-depressed feeling or to presence of depressed feeling and guilt in TAT stories.
8. Increased amounts of shading responses (FK, KF, Fk, kF, Fc, and cF) were associated with lack of confidence about and great interest in the area of obtaining acceptance and affection from others. Low amounts of shading are not conversely associated with expressions of confidence about gaining affection and approval. High amounts of shading are not related to differential frequency of specific goals whether these be of a status, material, or affectional and approval nature.
9. Increased amounts of texture shading (Fc and cF) were associated with more concern about gaining affection and approval from others. High amounts of texture shading also related to greater interest both in helping and being helped by others. Lower amounts were not associated with different types of goals.
10. Unpleasant to touch texture responses tended (almost at the .05 level) to be associated with lack of confidence and doubt about gaining affection.
11. Amount of non-texture shading (FK, KF, Fk, kF) was not associated at the .05 level with expression of: (1) confidence about being liked and accepted, (2) lack of confidence about being liked and accepted, (3) criticalness of others, or (4) doubt of one's own ability. [208 pp.]