The portrayal of mental illness, psychological testing and treatment in movies and on TV isn't always accurate. Students may have misconceptions about the purpose of Rorschach inkblots, a series of ten inkblot pictures of irregular designs, used in some psychological evaluations. The responses to the inkblots give the psychologist information about personality and emotional functioning, including the extent or validity of brain injury, underlying psychosis and thought disorders. Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach developed the Rorschach inkblot test in the early 1900s.
Literature Study
Tell the students to read the fictional short story version of "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes. The main character, Charlie, takes a Rorschach inkblot test on more than one occasion. Students should pay particular attention to what Charlie sees when he takes the test for the first time, and how the second time differs. Discuss why Charlie's answers were different on each test.
Psychological Assessment Comparison
Divide the class into at least three groups. Assign each group to research Rorschach's life and his inkblot test, along with another other psychological test, such as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Thematic Apperception Test or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale. Have students compare and contrast these tests with the Rorschach inkblot test, and share what they have learned with the class.
Conducting the Test
Have the students research the methods of conducting and evaluating the Rorschach inkblot test. Students can record what they see in each inkblot before studying the methods researchers use, and then try to see any "pictures" in the inkblots that they might have missed.
Talk With an Expert
Invite a psychologist who uses the Rorschach inkblots in his practice to speak to the class about the test and the types of disorders it is designed to uncover. Tell the students to come to class with questions to ask the psychologist already prepared. Students should take notes and use them to write a paper about the most interesting information learned from the presentation.
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