The effects of Rorschach coverage on the Internet on examinees' ability to 'fake good' in a simulated child custody context

The Rorschach has recently been the subject of debate after images of the inkblots, along with sample responses, were published on a popular website. Psychologists have argued that publishing the inkblots may affect examinee's responses on the Rorschach. However, no published research to date has tested this hypothesis. In the current study, the author administered the Rorschach to 54 parents in the context of a simulated child custody evaluation. All participants were instructed to "fake good." Prior to Rorschach administration, participants in the experimental group (N=27) were provided with information about the test, comparable to what is currently available online. Participants in the control group (N=27) were given a packet of irrelevant information. The two groups were then compared on selected Comprehensive System variables. Participants in the experimental group, on average, produced a lower number of Rorschach responses and had higher scores on the following variables: Populars, X+%, XA%, and WDA%. A nonsignificant trend was noted in which participants in the experimental group had lower scores on Lambda than those in the control group. No significant differences were found for Zf, Blends, FQo, or PER. The author concluded that exposure to online information about the Rorschach seems to most significantly impact CS variables associated with examinees' perceptual accuracy and reality testing. Implications for clinical and forensic practice are discussed.