What's Wrong With the Rorschach?

John Exner's Comprehensive System for the Rorschach, one of the most popular tests in clinical psychology, is currently the subject of intense scientific controversy.  Critiques of the Comprehensive System have appeared in leading psychology journals and such popular news outlets as The New York Times and  Scientific American.  A thorough critique of the Rorschach inkblot test -- including a chapter addressed to lawyers who seek to discredit the Rorschach in court -- has recently been published in our book What's Wrong With the Rorschach? Science Confronts the Controversial Inkblot Test.

Critics have pointed out that (1) the norms of the Comprehensive System are seriously in error and tend to make normal individuals appear "sick", (2) many Comprehensive System variables cannot be scored at a level of reliability that is adequate for clinical and forensic applications, (3) few if any Comprehensive System variables have a well-demonstrated relationship to psychiatric diagnoses or symptoms, and (4) the use of the Comprehensive System with American minorities and non-Americans is questionable.

The Comprehensive System for the Rorschach is potentially misleading and probably useless for most clinical and forensic purposes.  Most importantly, it does not meet current  standards for admissibility in legal proceedings.

This web page provides resources regarding the Comprehensive System for forensic psychologists, attorneys, and other interested individuals.

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