The Rorschach inkblot test is used to examine the personality characteristics and emotional functioning of a person, diagnosing underlying thought disorder and differentiating psychotic from nonpsychotic thinking. The person being tested is given a series of 10 inkblots and asked to relate what he/she sees. Based on the answers given the psychologist creates a psychological profile of the individual.
The validity of this test is questionable. With the exception to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (conditions marked by disordered thoughts), the inkblot test poorly identifies psychiatric conditions. It does not identify other conditions such as depression of anxiety. The test also does not have a grading system that would give a direct correlation or number to a specific condition. There is no one correct response to any inkblot card which hinders the reliability of the test. One subject could have a different score by two different examiners.
The Thematic Apperception Test, or TAT, is a projective measure intended to evaluate a person's patterns of thought, attitudes, observational capacity, and emotional responses to vague test materials which consist of a set of cards that use human figures in multiple settings and situations. The subject is asked to tell a story about each card. The TAT is often administered with the intention of evaluating a person’s personality. While taking the test the person’s vocal tone, posture, and emotional response is also being evaluated by the examiner for each of the stories.
The TAT test is not standardized within the field. Clinicians do not give the same set number of cards nor do they give the same selected cards. The scoring system for this test lack norms. Clinicians do not