Coding and Interpreting Movement on the Rorschach

Abstract

A survey was conducted to help beginning Rorschach students using the Exner Comprehensive System determine whether to code movement for nouns whose dictionary definitions included movement. A survey form listed 23 of these words, each followed by three options: Active?, Passive?, and No Movement? Results were disappointing because the participants (26 Rorschach experts and 19 students) failed to reach agreement (75% or more) for 15 of these “synopsis nouns.” A literature review on coding and interpreting movement responses led to the conclusion that a client efficiently using synopsis nouns most likely displays a higher cognitive functioning or life complexity than a client who uses several simple words to describe the same percept. Therefore, many of these words should be coded as movement if the examiner is convinced that the client intends to communicate movement. Guidelines supporting a decision to code a noun for movement are suggested.