With psychiatric tests like Word Association and Ink Blots, what do interpretations mean?

Question

There are lots of psychiatric tests performed to determine patients state of mind or to detect illness. Tests such as Word Association, Ink Blots, Pareidolia, Picture Arrangement, Duess etc etc.

But what do answers mean? In other words, is there a resource anyone knows of that provides insight into what patients answers mean? Is there a guide to deconstructing answers somewhere?

Answer 1

It depends on the test. Some like the Rorschach (Ink Blots) have manuals and texts which psychologists use to assist in interpreting the responses. Some rely more on the interpretation of the individual psychologist or psychiatrist. The Picture Arrangement test is not interpreted in this manner at all - it is a subtest of an intelligence test.



The idea behind these tests is that the test-taker will reveal information about themselves that they might not reveal with a more direct method, such as a questionnaire or an interview. In that sense, they are not really "tests" but more like techniques used to gather information. There is considerable controversy about using such techniques. Many psychologists feel they are worthless. However, many still use them and stand by their utility.

Answer 2

You have to do several tests and the analyist has to be trained to analyse the answers for a significant period of time. Anyone giving you an answer from five ink-blocks or a few word associations is not to be trusted. And any glib explaination on the web is likewise unreliable. They have to be taken in combination.



As it is, the Rorschach (inkblots) have recently been criticised for their lack of sensitivity in diagnosis (i.e. they do not distinguish between normal and clinical populations well,) although they have their supporters. Currently, people tend much more towards psychometric testing through self-report questionnaires, which are at least easy to analyse.

Answer 3

They are normally used to interpret people's associating. For example if I said window and you said "Suicide" that would then give me an insight into you having suicidal thoughts. Although Word Association and Ink Blot is defined by Lot's of thing's like there job ETC.

Answer 4

You need a shrink to really tell you but I imagine that the vast majority of people give similar answers to these tests and it´s the odd ones out that need further plumbing.

Answer 5

answers you give are interpreted by the expert asking which then helps her determine your state of mind