Rorschach Validation. III: An Examination of the Role of Colour as a Determinant in the Rorschach Test

Abstract

The importance and relevance of reaction to colour in the interpretation of Rorschach protocols has been so often and so vigorously stressed by proponents of the test that few psychologists can have remained unaffected by their views. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the validity of these views. Already the evidence pertinent to the hypothesis that certain reactions to the blots depend upon the indirect effect of colour, the so-called “colour-shock” signs, has been examined (Keehn, 14). Beyond repeating the general conclusion that such signs seem not to be dependent upon presence or absence of colour this topic will not be discussed, so restricting this paper solely to a consideration of the validity of the hypotheses concerning the direct reaction to colour on the cards. No better or succinct and documented statement of these hypotheses can be made than that of Hertz and Baker (10), who, after summarising numerous studies relating to the topic, conclude that— “There is general agreement that colour factors give a measure of the stability of the emotional life. They show the externally directed or expressed emotionality of an individual. FC represents emotional stability and adaptability, CF, emotional lability, excitability and lack of control, and C, lack of restraint and impulsiveness.”