in order to accurately score the responses. As a complement, we have created
a Rorschach Scoring worksheet (see Appendix 4) that helps with speed and
accuracy in coding, which the first-time examiner may find useful.
Theoretical Goals Underlying the Coding Process
Understanding the theory behind the Rorschach is helpful to the coding
process. An experienced examiner makes final decisions based on the theoretical
framework of the test and the coding process. Read chapter 2 from
Exner’s Comprehensive System (vol. 1, 1993) for a more complete understanding
of the Rorschach. Essentially, this broad-reaching test is composed of a stimulus
that allows the examinee’s traits and styles to be expressed. When interpreting
the data, the examiner cannot focus solely on one small aspect of the
examinee or one small coded variable; each aspect can be understood only in
the context of the examinee’s other features. A whole picture of the examinee
must be developed, a task that can challenge a new or inexperienced examiner.
The overarching goal of coding is to try to understand “how the characteristics
of a person merge together in a series of complex interrelationships
that breeds a reasonable understanding of that person” through the protocol
(Exner, 1993, p. 85). Futhermore, the cardinal rule in coding Rorschach responses
is that “the code or score should represent the cognitive operation
at the time the subject gave the answer” (p. 85). Don’t code the response that
first appears during the Inquiry Phase; to code accurately, you must include
data from both the Response and Inquiry. However, “The coder-interpreter
must resist the temptation to consider the original response and the information
developed in the Inquiry as being continuous, for this is an illogical
assumption. Many events transpire between the original response and the
Inquiry and . . . the latter occurs under a much different structure than the
former” ( Exner, 1993, p. 87). In other words, the examinee’s experience
may differ between Response and Inquiry Phase. The examiner must note
the difference.
The second most important rule in the coding process is that “all of the
components that appear in the response should appear in the coding” (Exner,
1993, p. 87). In other words, don’t leave anything out that should have been
coded. Errors of omission are often much more important than coding disagreements
because they can lead to a distorted picture of the examinee’s
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 37
Three
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH
Tara Rose
C
oding Rorschach responses is an involved process. It requires taking all
of the text transcribed during the test administration (qualitative material)
and turning it into numeric scores (quantitative information) that
will later be used in the structural summary, and ultimately, for interpretation.
There are two parts to the coding process. The first involves coding each
response and the second involves entering the codes (or scores) for each response
onto a page that organizes all the coded information category by category,
called the Sequence of Scores sheet. (The codes can also be entered
into a computer program such as RIAP or ROR-SCAN that can generate the
Sequence of Scores sheet.) We will walk you through each task, step-by-step.
Once the examiner has completed the two steps outlined in this chapter,
he or she will then tally the coded information and compute the summary
scores and indices for the Structural Summary. Creating the Structural Summary
is discussed in detail in the next chapter.
THE CODING PROCESS
Coding responses is probably the most difficult task for the new examiner.
Learning to accurately code the Rorschach takes time and requires guidance
from an experienced examiner or Rorschacher. We strongly recommend that
any examiner who plans to use the Rorschach take a class and/or be supervised
by someone with experience in administering the Rorschach.
Before discussing the actual coding system, two important aspects of the
Rorschach coding process need to be emphasized. First, the examiner must
understand the theoretical goal behind Rorschach coding. Second, the examiner
must rely on the coding rules in Exner’s Comprehensive System (vol. 1, 1993)
36
use Exner’s preferred continuous approach to coding. A continuous approach
coding strategy involves taking a single response and going through each of the
coding categories for that response before starting the scoring process for the
next response. Scoring in this manner allows the examiner to think in terms of
the integrated score and helps to avoid errors of addition and omission.
The Rorschach Scoring worksheet helps the examiner thoroughly cover all
coding categories for each response by providing a separate worksheet for
each response (see Rapid Reference 3.2). The worksheet includes the seven
coding categories, special directions, references to the coding rules in Volume
1 of Exner’s Comprehensive System book and his Workbook (1993, 1995),
options for coding each category, and a space for coding justification.
Rapid Reference 3.3 describes how to use the Scoring worksheet in Appendix
4.The worksheet adds an extra step to Exner’s Structural Summary, so it may
appear to add time to the process. But in fact, it is a time saver because the examiner
is less likely to be hesitant and more likely to code a response correctly
and therefore feel more confident filling out the Sequence of Scores sheet. The
worksheet is most useful for the first few administrations, when the new user is
most unfamiliar with the complex coding process. Examiners may attempt to
expedite coding by omitting the basis for a coding decision. However, including
the information will make it much
easier to explain the reasoning in
class or supervision.
STEP-BY-STEP CODING
While it is true that the Rorschach is
a sophisticated and complex coding
system, the examiner should also
know that in many ways it is very
clear-cut and manageable. There
are seven steps for coding each response
since there are seven categories
to code: (1) Location and
Developmental Quality, (2) Determinants,
(3) Form Quality, (4) Contents,
(5) Popular Responses, (6)
Organizational Activity ( Z score),
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 39
psychological characteristics. Rapid
Reference 3.1 summarizes the Rorschach
(Exner, 1993) coding rules.
What Needs to Be Coded?
Every one of the examinee’s responses
to the inkblots must be
coded under multiple categories.
In order to accurately code each response,
an examiner relies on a
codebook that lists the rules on
how to categorize qualitative information
(in this case the examinee’s
responses to the inkblot).The codebook
allows any trained examiner
to code responses reliably.
That codebook for the Rorschach
inkblot test can be found in
Chapters 4 through 9 of Exner’s
Comprehensive System (vol. 1, 1993). Exner’s Workbook (1995), while more accessible,
simply does not cover all the information needed to accurately code
the responses. This Essentials guide also does not cover all the rules of the
coding system (see Caution 3.1) and is not meant to replace Volume 1 or the
Workbook. Instead, it should be viewed as a companion to Volume 1, providing
an overview of the coding system. As a guide it also provides lists of
general rules and scoring descriptions.
Our Rorschach Scoring
Worksheet: Accuracy, Speed,
Confidence
Our Rorschach Scoring worksheet,
located in Appendix 4, will help
first-time examiners code as accurately,
completely, and quickly as
possible. It also allows examiners to
38 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Coding Rules
• Overarching goal of the coding
process: to understand “how the
characteristics of a person merge
together in a series of complex
interrelationships that breeds a
reasonable understanding of that
person” (Exner, 1993, p. 85).
• Cardinal rule of coding:“The
code or score should represent
the cognitive operation at the
time the subject gave the
answer” (Exner, 1993, p. 85).
• Second rule of coding:“All of
the components that appear
in the response should appear
in the coding” (Exner, 1993,
p. 87). Avoid errors of omission.
Rapid Reference 3.1
C A U T I O N 3.1
The Examiner’s Primary
Source for Coding
To code completely and accurately,
rely on the The Rorschach: A
Comprehensive System, (vol. 1,
Exner, 1993).
Highlights of
the Rorschach Scoring
Worksheet
• There are separate sections
for coding each of the seven
categories.
• Sections parallel the Structural
Summary sheet.
• Special directions for coding are
given in “( )”s.
• Scoring options within a category
are given in “{}”s.
• Reference pages to Exner’s
volume 1 book and workbook
are given in “[ ]”s.
Rapid Reference 3.2
• If a single portion or portions of the inkblot were used, the examiner
will find the location codes and location numbers in Table A starting
on page 195 of Volume 1 of Exner’s Comprehensive System, 1993). Use
Figures 7 through 16 within Table A (one table for each of the the ten
cards) to determine the score.
• First, determine if the portion(s) is a common detail response or
an unusual detail response. If so, code D or Dd.
• Second, determine if white
space was used in the response.
If so, the location
code also includes an S after
the W, D, or Dd.
• Third, compare the part of
the inkblot used with Table
A and determine the location
number. If the exact
area is not listed, the location
number is 99 ( Example:
Dd27, D7, or Dd99).
Rapid Reference 3.5 outlines
rules for coding location with multiple
D or Dd areas.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 41
and (7) Special Scores (see Rapid
Reference 3.4). Don’t Forget 3.1
provides an easy way to remember
the seven categories.
1) Location and
Developmental Quality
Location
• Location refers to the section
or area of the inkblot being
used, with four possible symbols
ranging from the whole
inkblot to an unusual detail
(see Table 3.1).
• The scoring goal is to determine
what part of the inkblot
was used in the response.
• Location captures how the person approached the inkblot.
• There are two parts to identify: the location code (W, D, Dd, and S )
and the location number (blank, 1–99).
How to Code Location
• Use the location sheet to determine
the outline of the
inkblot. (The location sheet is
the page with 10 miniature
inkblots, available either as a
separate page or as part of the
Structural Summary Blank.)
• If the whole inkblot was
used, code a W for location
and leave the location number
blank or insert a dash. W ’s do
not have location numbers.
40 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Using the Scoring
Worksheet in Appendix 4
1. Use one Scoring Worksheet for
each response.
2. Fill in each coding category with
a score or check the not
applicable (n/a) box.
3. After entering a score, at the
end of that row write in why
you made the coding decision.
4. When coding is completed,
transfer the codes onto the
Sequence of Scores sheet or
into a Rorschach computer
program (discussed later in this
chapter).
Rapid Reference 3.3
Seven Coding Categories
1. Location and Developmental
Quality
2. Determinants
3. Form Quality
4. Contents
5. Popular Responses
6. Organizational Activity
(Z score)
7. Special Scores
Rapid Reference 3.4
DON’T FORGET 3.1
Silly Sentences to Help Remember the Seven Categories
• Susie wanted to locate and/or develop an important determinant
of what makes a quality life forum. For contents, she looked to popular
magazines hoping to organize her thoughts and come up with a project
that would get her a special score on the assignment.
• The student began her homework assignment. She wrote,“It’s time
for science to locate and develop the important determinants of
what makes a life form of quality.” Her contents of life theory might
be popular someday. The teacher thought the paper needed some
organizational help, but it got a special score for creativity.
Rules for Multiple D and/or
Dd Areas
1. Two or more combined D areas,
code D
2. Two separate objects are both
D, code D
3. Composite of two D areas,
but uncommon response,
code Dd
4. Two or more combined
areas and at least two objects,
code Dd
Rapid Reference 3.5
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 43
Developmental Quality
• Developmental quality refers to the degree of meaningful organization
or integration used in the response, with four possible symbols
ranging from a synthesized to a vague response (see Table 3.2).
• The coding goal is to determine the quality of the processing of the
response based on how form is used in the response.
How to Code Developmental Quality
• Refer to the location sheet to determine which portions of the inkblot
are used.
42 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Table 3.2 Developmental Quality
Symbol Symbol Name Explanation
+ Synthesized Response • One or more objects are described as
separate but related through position or
movement. At least one of the objects
must have a specific form demand or be
described in a manner that creates a
specific form demand.
N
Example: “Bird flying in a cloud” or
“Two birds sitting on telephone wire.”
v/+ Synthesized Response • Two or more objects are described as
separate but related. None of the
objects have a specific form, and the
description during inquiry does not
introduce a form demand.
N
Example: “Two clouds coming
together.”
o Ordinary Response • A single object is described from an
area of the inkblot, and the description
creates a specific form demand. The
object has features that emphasize its
outline and structural features.
• Two objects are described with no
meaningful relationship between them.
N
Example: “One bird” or “Two birds.”
v Vague Response • One or more unrelated objects are
described without a specific form
demand, outline, or structural features.
N
Example: “One cloud” or “Two clouds.”
Note. Modified table from The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System. Volume 1: Basic
Foundations, 3rd ed. (p. 99), by J. E. Exner, Jr., 1993, New York: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc. Copyright 1993 by John Exner, Jr. Reprinted with permission.
Table 3.1 Location of Responses
Symbol Symbol Name Explanation
W Whole Response • The entire inkblot. All portions of the
inkblot must be used. No segment can be
omitted.
D Common Detail Response • A frequently identified area of the
inkblot. Area is included in Table A.
• Two or more D areas used in one
response that are listed in Table A.
Dd Unusual Detail Response • An infrequently identified area of the
inkblot.
• Two or more areas of the inkblot used
in one response, with at least one area
listed as Dd and/or not found at all
in Table A. If area is not included in
Table A, coding is Dd and location
is 99 (Dd99).
S Space Response • White space area used in response, as
well as W, D, and Dd.
• Remember Space (S ) is never scored
alone, but as WS, DS, or DdS.
Note. Modified table from The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System. Volume 1: Basic Foundations,
3rd ed. (p. 94) by J. E. Exner, Jr., 1993, New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Copyright 1993 by John Exner, Jr. Reprinted with permission.
Table 3.3 Determinants
Symbol Name Symbol Explanation
Form F • Using only the form or shape
features of the inkblot. No
movement involved and rarely
seen in blends.
Movement N
Movement (human, animal, or
inanimate) used in the inkblot;
movement is defined as any state
of muscular tension.
M (Human Movement • Responses with human activity.
Response) • Animal or a fictional character in a
humanlike activity.
• Animal movement where the movement
describes a human activity
that is not specific to that species.
• Human experience such as
emotion.
FM (Animal Movement • Responses that include movement
Response) of an animal. Must be specific to
the movements of that species of
animal.
m (Inanimate Movement • Responses with movement of an
Response) inanimate, inorganic, or dead
object; may be static movement
or an activity that is congruent
with object.
Chromatic N
Using chromatic colors (colors of
Color the rainbow, such as red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, or violet) in
the inkblot. Not black or white.
C (Pure Color Response) • Responses using only the chromatic
colors with no form aspect
reported.
CF (Color Form • Responses primarily based on
Response) chromatic colors. Aspects of form
are also included but are of
secondary importance in the
response.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 45
• Determine developmental quality
based on coding rules taking
into consideration the number
of objects and specific form demand
(see Don’t Forget box
3.2). Record only one code per
response.
2) Determinants
• Determinants refers to the features,
style, characteristics, or aspect
of the inkblot that the examinee responded to, with 26 possible
symbols from form to reflection responses (see Table 3.3).
• The scoring goal is “to provide
information concerning the
complex perceptual-cognitive
process that has produced the
response” (Exner, 1993, p.
103). Did the examinee respond
to form, movement,
color, shading, or symmetry
of the inkblot?
• A blend is when more than
one determinant is coded for
a single (usually complex) response.
A period (“.”) or full
stop is placed between each
determinant. Rapid Reference
3.6 describes the correct procedure
for coding a blend.
• Some examiners and researchers
consider determinants to
be the most important aspect
of the Rorschach to score,
with the greatest implication
for interpretation.
44 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
DON’T FORGET 3.2
Specific Form Demand
Specific form demand means that
the object being reported generally
has a consistent form.The object’s
name or title implies a specific
shape. For example, man, bird, or
butterfly all suggest specific shapes. In
other words, specific form demand
is equated with specific shape.
Blends
When more than one determinant
is coded for a single response, it’s a
blend.
Writing out Blends*:
1. Movement (M, FM, m) is listed
first.
2. Form, color, and shading are
listed next (in no particular
order).
3. Reflections (rF, Fr) are listed
last.
4. Full stops or periods (“.”) are
placed between each
determinant.
Example:“Mp.CF.rF”
*Current convention on how to order
determinants. However, some examiners
code blends in the order that the
determinants appear in the response.
Rapid Reference 3.6
Table 3.3 continued
Symbol Name Symbol Explanation
FT (Form-Texture • Responses based mainly on form
Response) features. Shading components of
the inkblot used to suggest tactile
qualities are included but are of secondary
importance in the response.
Shading- N
Using shading to suggest a threeDimension
dimensional perspective.
V ( Pure Vista Response) • Responses using shading
components of the inkblot to
suggest depth or dimensionality
without form.
VF ( Vista-Form • The shading components are
Response) interpreted as depth or dimensionality.
Aspects of form are included
but are of secondary importance
in the response.
FV ( Form-Vista • Responses based mainly on form
Response) features. Shading components of
the inkblot are included to suggest
dimensionality but are of secondary
importance in the response.
Shading-Diffuse N
Using the diffuse shading of the
inkblot, such as lighter and darker
contrasts with no reference to
either texture or dimension.
Y (Pure Shading • Responses using only light-dark
Response) features of the inkblot without
using form and with no reference
to either texture or dimension.
YF (Shading-Form • Responses primarily based on
Response) light-dark features of the inkblot.
Aspects of form are also included
but are of secondary importance in
the response.
FY ( Form-Shading • Responses based mainly on
Response) features of the form. Light-dark
features of the inkblot are included
but are of secondary importance
in the response.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 47
Table 3.3 continued
Symbol Name Symbol Explanation
FC ( Form-Color • Responses based mainly on
Response) features of the form. Colors of the
rainbow are included but are of
secondary importance in the
response and are used more as an
elaboration and/or clarification.
Cn (Color Naming • The chromatic colors of the inkResponse)
blot are identified by name, such as
“this is red, yellow, and blue.”
Achromatic N
Using light and dark features of the
Color inkblot, such as black, white, and
gray features.
C' (Pure Achromatic • Responses using only black, white,
Color Response) and gray features of the inkblot.
Definitely viewed by examinee as
color and no form is involved,
such as “it’s all black like at night.”
C'F (Achromatic Color- • Responses primarily based on black,
Form Response) white, and gray. Aspects of form are
also included but are of secondary
importance in the response.
FC' (Form-Achromatic • Responses based mainly on features
Color Response) of the form. Black, white, and gray
are included secondarily in the
response and are more of an
elaboration and/or clarification.
Shading- N
Using light and dark features of the
Texture inkblot to suggest texture, such as
rough or furry.
T (Pure Texture • Shading components of the inkblot
Response) used to suggest texture or tactile
qualities.
TF (Texture-Form • Responses with the shading
Response) components interpreted as texture
or tactile. Aspects of form are
also included but are of secondary
importance and are used for
elaboration and/or clarification.
46 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
How to Score Determinants
• Rely on the transcribed text of the test and the description of what
area of the inkblot was used (on the location sheet) to identify deter-
minants.
• More than one determinant can be coded, but the same determinant
cannot be coded twice for a single response.
• Form (F ) is usually coded alone and it is extremely unusual to find in
blends.
• If movement (M, FM, m) is used, a second code must be included to
describe the movement as active, passive, or both. (See Table 3.4.)
• Active/passive codes are placed as superscripts after the movement
determinant (i.e., MP ).
Rapid Reference 3.7 summarizes the form rules for coding the Rorschach.
Form Quality
• Form quality refers to how well an examinee’s description of a form
fits the area of the inkblot used, with four possible symbols from
superior-overelaborated to minus (see Table 3.5).
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 49
Table 3.3 continued
Symbol Name Symbol Explanation
Form FD (Form-Based • Responses using threeDimension
Dimensional dimensionality (3-D) based only
Response) on the form. Using elements of size
and/or the shape of the outline in
contrast to other areas of the
inkblot; an object appearing in
perspective or in relation to
another object, such as a dog in
front of or behind a tree. No use of
shading is involved.
Pairs and N
Using two identical objects or
Reflections percepts, either as a pair or
reflection.
2 ( Pair Response) • Responses using two identical
images based on the symmetry of
the inkblot. Only the objects in the
response must be equivalent, not
the entire inkblot. The objects
must not be identified as being
reflected or as mirror images.
rF (Reflection-Form • Responses that include a reflection
Response) or a mirror image. The object
or content has no specific
form requirement such as clouds,
landscape, and shadows.
Fr (Form-Reflection • Responses that include reflection
Response) or a mirror image based on the
symmetry of the inkblot. The
response is based on form features
and the object has a specific form.
Note. Modified table from The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System. Volume 1: Basic Foundations,
3rd ed. (pp. 104–5), by J. E. Exner, Jr., 1993, New York: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc. Copyright 1993 by John Exner, Jr. Reprinted with permission.
48 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Form Rules
• Form only: If only form or shape is described, code form (F).
• Form with movement: If form is described with movement, code movement
(M, FM, m).
• Form dominant: If form is the main determinant factor, elaborated by
another aspect, code form first (FC, FC', FT, FY, Fr).
• Form secondary: If form is only modestly described, more as an elaboration
to another aspect, code form second (CF, C'F, TF, VF,YF, rF ).
• Formless: No form is described, code no form (C, C',T, V,Y ).
• Formless with Form: Use a step-down rule. If a formless object is put in
relation to an object with a form, then code form second (i.e.,“Blood on a
bear’s body” steps down from a C for blood to a CF.
• Reflections: Reflection always includes some aspect of form, either primary
or secondary (Fr or rF).
Rapid Reference 3.7
• Based on the location for each
card, look up the form quality
(FQ) description or category
in Table A starting on page 195
of volume 1 or on page 101 of
the Workbook (Exner, 1993;
Exner, 1995). Table A provides
a listing of responses, by card
and location area for form
quality codes ordinary (o), unusual
(u), or minus (–). Table
B starting on page 255 of volume
1 and on page 162 of the
workbook provides illustrations
of responses that should
be coded superior-overelaborated (+) (Exner, 1993; Exner, 1995).
Caret marks (<v>) are references to when the examinee turns the card
to the left, upside down, or to the right to give a response.
• Table 3.5 provides a general description of Form Quality, but Table A
is the primary source for empirically derived Form Quality scores
(Exner, 1993).
• If the answer is not listed in Table A and is not a superior-elaborated
response:
1. Try to extrapolate conservatively from the answers in Table
A. (For example, a top and a gyroscope are similar to each
other and could be given the same form quality score.)
2. If the object only has a remote similarity to an object in Table
A, carefully consider the criteria between unusual and minus.
3. Many responses contain multiple objects. Choose the lowest
or most conservative score (minus, then unusual, then ordinary,
then superior-elaborated), unless the object with the
lowest form quality score is unimportant to the overall response.
(For example, “Two dogs are looking at the same
thing, maybe they are looking at a bug.” The bug is less important
than the two dogs doing the observing.)
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 51
• The coding goal is to determine how well or accurately an examinee’s
percept or response relates to the inkblot form, using Exner’s Table A
(explained below) as a guide.
• Coding a response ordinary (o) versus superior-overelaborated (+)
can involve the examiner’s subjective judgment.
How to Code Form Quality
• Use the transcribed text of the test and the location sheet to determine
level of form quality. (Use only those responses that include some aspect
of form.) Rapid Reference 3.8 summarizes form quality coding.
50 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Table 3.4 Active-Passive Movements
Movement ❖
Any movement can be active, passive,
Superscripts or both.
a (active) • Responses with movement that is more
dynamic or animated than talking. Examples
in Table 11, page 110 of Exner (1993).
• Responses in which an object is described
as having both active and passive
movements (i.e., a man leaning against a
tree [passive] and tapping his foot [active]).
p (passive) • Responses with movement that is less or
equally dynamic/animated than talking.
• Responses with movement which should be
static (i.e., a person lying down).
• Responses in which the movement is
reported as a picture, painting, caricature,
or abstract piece of art, even with active
movement reported in the art (i.e., a man
running as a piece of artwork).
a-p (active- • Responses in which two or more objects
passive) are described with movement and one is
active and the other is passive (i.e., one dog
biting another dog).
Note. Adapted description from The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System. Volume 1: Basic
Foundations, 3rd ed. (pp. 109–113), by J. E. Exner, Jr., 1993, New York: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. Copyright 1993 by John Exner, Jr. Reprinted with permission.
Form Quality Coding
For multiple objects,
1. Choose the most “conservative
score” or lowest FQ level.A
(– is lower than u and u is
lower than o.)
2. The object with the
lowest score should be
important to the response.
If the response is formless (no
form), do not code form quality.
Rapid Reference 3.8
Table 3.6 Contents
Symbol Symbol Name Explanation (the response can include)
H Whole Human • A whole human figure.
• If it is a real historical figure such as
Joan of Arc, add secondary content
code Ay (see below).
(H) Whole Human (fictional • A whole fictional or mythological
or mythological) human figure, (i.e., a clown, fairy,
giant, witch, fairytale creature,
ghost, angel, science-fiction creature
that is humanoid, humanlike
monster.)
Hd Human Detail • An incomplete human form (i.e., a leg)
or a whole form without a body part
(i.e., a person without a head).
(Hd) Human Detail (fictional • An incomplete fictional or mythological
or mythological) human figure (i.e., wings of an angel,
arms of a witch).
• All masks. (i.e., love, hate, sound,
smell)
Hx Human Experience • Human emotional or sensory experience/
description (i.e., love, hate, sound, smell).
Usually also scored special content AB.
A Whole Animal • A whole animal form.
(A) Whole Animal (fictional • A whole fictional or mythological
or mythological) animal form (i.e., dragon, unicorn,
Disney character).
Ad Animal Detail • An incomplete animal form (i.e., cat’s
head, claw of a crab, animal skin, rug
made of animal skin).
(Ad) Animal Detail (fictional • An incomplete fictional or mythological
or mythological) animal form (i.e., wings of Pegasus, parts
of the body of a Disney character).
An Anatomy • Skeletal, muscular, organs or other internal
anatomy without reference to x-ray
(i.e., bones, skull, heart, vertebrae).
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 53
4) Contents
• Contents refers to the name or class of object(s) used in the response,
with 27 possible codes from whole human to x-ray (see
Table 3.6).
• The coding goal is to categorize the objects described in the ink-
blot.
52 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Table 3.5 Form Quality
Symbol Symbol Name Explanation
+ Superior-overelaborated • A response that is exceptionally precise and
articulate and doesn’t sacrifice the correct
fit of the form. Response is unique in how
the details are described and in how the
form is used, however it is not necessarily
an original answer.
• May be listed in Table A as o, but response
is usually well articulated, as in Table B. May
not be listed in Table A or B.
o Ordinary • The obvious, commonplace, easily seen,
and easily explained response that identifies
an object frequently reported by others.
• May not be listed in Table A as o.
u Unusual • An uncommon response, in which the contours
of the inkblot are not significantly
violated and the examiner can quickly and
easily identify the object.
• May not be listed in Table A as u.
– Minus • A distorted and unrealistic use of a form, in
which the examiner can only identify the
object with difficulty, or not at all. The
response is imposed on the inkblot and disregards
the structure of the inkblot.
• May not be listed in Table A as –.
Note. Modified table from The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System. Volume 1: Basic
Foundations, 3rd ed. (p. 152), by J. E. Exner, Jr., 1993, New York: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc. Copyright 1993 by John Exner, Jr. Reprinted with permission.
Table 3.6 continued
Symbol Symbol Name Explanation (the response can include)
Hh Household • Any household item used, inside or outside
the house (except a lightbulb, which
is coded Sc).
• Rugs, except those made of animal skin,
which are coded Ad.
Ls Landscape • Any form of landscape (i.e., mountains,
underwater, deserts, swamps).
Na Nature • Anything from a natural environment
that is not coded as Bt or Ls.
• Anything astronomical or weather
related (i.e., sun, planets, water, rainbow,
fog, mist).
Sc Science • Anything associated with or that is a
product of science or science fiction
(i.e., computers, microscope, vehicle of
transportation, rocket, lightbulb).
Sx Sex • Anything involving sex organs, activity
of a sexual nature, or sexual
reproduction (i.e., buttocks,
menstruation, intercourse, abortion,
breast—unless used to point out
female figure).
• Sx is usually scored as a secondary
content. Primary contents are typically
H, Hd, An.
Xy X-Ray • Any X-ray, skeletal or organs. When
Xy is coded, An is not included as a
secondary code.
Note. Modified table from The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System. Volume 1: Basic
Foundations, 3rd ed. (pp. 158–59), by J. E. Exner, Jr., 1993, New York: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc. Copyright 1993 by John Exner, Jr. Reprinted with permission.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 55
Table 3.6 continued
Symbol Symbol Name Explanation (the response can include)
• If the response involves a laboratory tissue
slide, add a secondary content code,
Art.
• If the response involves an X-ray, code
only Xy.
Art Art • Paintings, drawings, illustrations, ranging
in style from abstract to realism.
• Art objects (i.e., statue, jewelry,
chandelier, crest, seal, decoration).
• Secondary content code for a laboratory
tissue slide.
• Many responses also have secondary
content codes (i.e., a painting of two
bears would be Art, A ).
Ay Anthropology • Objects with a specific cultural and/or
historical connotation even if still in use
today (i.e., Arrowhead, prehistoric ax,
Jewish menorah, Napolean’s hat).
Bl Blood • Blood, either human or animal.
Bt Botany • Any type of plant life, individual parts
or whole.
Cg Clothing • Any article of clothing.
Cl Clouds • Clouds. Used specifically as a reference
to clouds. Any cloud variations (i.e., fog
or mist) are coded Na.
Ex Explosion • A blast or explosion, including
fireworks.
Fi Fire • Fire or smoke.
Fd Food • Anything edible.
Ge Geography • Any map, general or specific.
54 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
6) Organizational Activity
• Organizational activity refers
to the degree of organization
required to integrate the form
described in the response. It
uses a Z score, a weighted
method of assigning a score
to a response.
• The coding goal is to provide
a numerical Z score representing
the degree of organizational
activity.
• Every card has an organizational
activity or Z score if the
response includes form and
meets at least one of the following
criteria:
1. The location score is “whole” with developmental quality
codes, either synthesized (W+), ordinary (Wo), or vague synthesized
(Wv/+).
2. It meaningfully integrates at least two adjacent or nonadjacent
parts of the inkblot (portions that may or may not touch).
3. It meaningfully integrates white space.
Rapid Reference 3.10 summarizes when not to code a Z score.
How to Code Organizational Activity
• Use the location codes and the developmental quality (DQ) codes,
scored earlier, to determine the Z score.
• Determine if the card meets criteria (see Rapid Reference 3.11) for a Z
value and which category the response could fit ( ZW, Zadj, Zdis, ZS).
• Look up the organizational (Z) values based on the type of organizational
activity for each of the 10 cards in one of the following
sources:
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 57
How to Code Contents
• Use the transcribed text of the test to determine content.
• Many responses require more than one content code; however, each
code can only be used once for a given response. Include all content
codes with two exceptions:
1. When a response includes Na, Bt, and/or Ls, only Na is
scored.
2. When a response includes both Bt and Ls (and Na is not
present), score only one.
• Unique content that does not fit under any other content category
receives an idiographic code (Idio or Id ).
Rapid Reference 3.9 summarizes content coding rules.
5) Popular Responses
• Popular responses refers to frequently given responses.
• The coding goal is to determine whether the examinee’s response is
the conventional or commonly given response for each card.
How to Code Popular Responses
• Use the transcribed text of the test and location sheet to determine if
the examinee’s response is a popularly given response. For example,
Card I’s popular response is a bat or butterfly.
• Look up the examinee’s description of the card in Table A, starting on
page 195 in volume 1 or page 101 of the workbook ( Exner, 1993;
Exner, 1995). The first sentence below the card number provides the
popular response(s) for that card. A more detailed description of the
popular responses can be found in Table 24 on page 162 in volume 1
or Table 8 on page 57 of the workbook (Exner, 1993; Exner, 1995).
• Make sure the examinee’s response uses the same location of the
card as the popular response.
• Code a P if the answer is exactly the same as the popular response for
that card. If it is not a popular response, no code is necessary and you
can leave it blank.
56 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Content Rules
• A unique content response should
be written out and entered under
idiographic contents (Idio), in the
Contents column.
• No duplicate codes for a given
response.
• Responses can receive more
than one content code with two
exceptions:
1. Only nature (Na) is scored
even if a response includes
nature (Na), botany (Bt)
and/or landscape (Ls).
2. For botany (Bt) and landscape
(Ls) when nature (Na) is not
present, score only one.
Rapid Reference 3.9
iners not to consider an examiner’s demographic information when
coding level 1 and 2 scores.
• It is not uncommon for a response to receive more than one special
score; however, exceptions and
certain exclusionary rules are
listed in Rapid Reference 3.12.
Use these rules to avoid inflating
the total sum of special
scores.
• The same wording or the same
instance of cognitive confusion
never receives more than
one special score. Verbiage
much be completely independent
to receive more than one
special score.
Caution 3.3 summarizes what examiners
should keep in mind when
coding an examinee’s responses.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 59
1. The table called Organizational
( Z ) Values on
the Notes and Calculations
page of the Structural
Summary Blank
2. Table 20 on page 147 of
volume 1 (Exner, 1993)
3. Table 8 on page 60 of the
Workbook (Exner, 1995)
• If the response meets more
than one category’s criteria,
choose the category with the
highest Z value for that card.
• Remember that form must always be involved to receive a Z score,
so pure C, T, Y, or V responses are never coded with an organizational
activity score.
7) Special Scores
• Special scores refers to the presence of an unusual characteristic(s) in
the response, with 16 possible scores from deviant verbalizations to
color projection (see Table 3.7).
• The coding goal is to categorize
the unusual verbalizations.
How to Code Special Scores
• Use the transcribed text of the
test to determine special scores.
• For deviant verbalizations (DV,
DR) and inappropriate combinations
(INCOM and FABCOM
), determine the degree
of cognitive slippage or bizarreness,
represented as level 1 and
level 2 responses (seeTable 3.8)
Caution box 3.2 warns exam-
58 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
When to Code for a Z Score
• The examiner should code for a Z score if a response includes form and
meets at least one of the following criteria:
1. ZW: It has a location code W and a Developmental Quality code of +,
v/+, or o (answers with a Wv are not assigned a score).
2. ZAdj: It is a response that meaningfully integrates separate objects in
adjacent areas of the inkblot (areas that touch).
3. ZDis: It is a response that meaningfully integrates separate objects in
nonadjacent areas of the inkblot (areas that don’t touch).
4. ZS: It is a response that meaningfully integrates white space with other
details of the inkblot in the description (such as “eyes in a face”).
• If a response meets criteria for more than one category, choose the score
with the highest Z value for that card.
Note. Adapted descriptions from Exner (1993), p. 16.
Rapid Reference 3.11
C A U T I O N 3.2
Demographic Variables and
Level 1 and Level 2 Scores
Demographic variables such as
age, education, or culture are not
considered in distinguishing
level 1 and level 2 scores. These
elements are considered during the
interpretation stage when comparing
an examinee's scores with the
scores listed in the descriptive
statistics tables.
Don’t Code for a Z Score
Responses never receive an
organizational score if:
1. Dv.
2. white space or without
reference to the white space.
3. no form involvement (i.e.,
pure C, T, Y, or V ).
4. Special Score, CONFAB.
Rapid Reference 3.10
C A U T I O N 3.3
The Coding Process
• The examiner should take his
or her time coding.With
inaccurate coding, the examiner
unintentionally creates the
foundation for an inaccurate
interpretation.
• Scan each response carefully and
review options. Be aware of errors
of omission and over coding.
• Reliability studies suggest greater
disparity between examiners by
omissions than by coding
disagreements (Exner, 1993).
Table 3.7 continued
Category Symbol Name Level Explanation
❖
DR2: I’m a mechanic, so I can tell
it’s a car, but I’m not sure how to
look at it. I can see the back wheel
and brake, which should always be
checked . . .
Inappropriate (INCOM) • Inappropriately merging
Combination Incongruous separate inkblot details or
Combination images into a single object.
Coded only when the
combination describes a
single object.
❖
INCOM1: An orange man.
INCOM2: A woman with the
head of a chicken.
(FABCOM) • An implausible or
Fabulized unbelievable relationship
Combination is described between two or
more objects in the inkblot.
❖
FABCOM1: Two chickens
holding basketballs.
FABCOM2: A man sitting
there and you can see his heart
pumping.
(CONTAM) • The most bizarre of the
Contamination inappropriate combinations.
Two or more impressions fused
into a single response in a manner
that clearly violates reality.
The objects might otherwise be
reported separately.
• Involves a single discrete area
of the inkblot.
❖
CONTAM: It must be a bird
dog because it has the body of
a dog and the nose of a bird.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 61
Table 3.7 Special Scores
Category Symbol Name Level Explanation
Unusual (DV) Deviant Neologism • An incorrect word or
Verbalizations Verbalizations neologism in place of a
correct one when the
examinee has the verbal
capacity.
❖
DV1: Some bacteria you
might see under a telescope
(instead of microscope).
• DV2: A woman is ready
for a virginal exam.
Redundancy • Odd language repeating
information about the
object(s) reported. The
response can not be justified
by subcultural idioms
or limited vocabulary.
❖
DV1: a pair of two birds.
DV2: a backward reversed
propeller of an airplane.
(DR) Deviant Inappropriate • Phrases that are
Responses Phrases inappropriate or
completely irrelevant.
❖
DR1: It’s a cat. My father
always hated cats.
• DR2: An abstract of President
Carter if you look at it
from a Democratic perspective.
Circumstantial • Fluid or rambling answers
Responses in which the examinee
inappropriately elaborates
or has marked difficulty in
achieving a definition of
the object. Sometimes
wandering off target and
never returning to subject.
60 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Table 3.7 continued
Category Symbol Name Level Explanation
(CONFAB) • Inappropriate generalization
Confabulation from one detailed area to the
whole inkblot.
• Z score and ALOG are not
coded.
❖
CONFAB: It’s a claw, it’s a
lobster.
Special Content (AG) Aggressive • Movement response with
Characteristics Movement current aggression (no past
tense).
(COP) • Movement response with
Cooperative a clearly positive or
Movement cooperative interaction.
(MOR) Morbid • An object is identified as
Content dead, destroyed, ruined,
spoiled, damaged, injured,
or broken.
• An object is attributed as
having a clearly dysphoric
feeling or characteristic
such as a sad tree.
Other Special (AB) Abstract • Human Experience (Hx)
Features Content content coded answers
noting human emotion or
sensory experience.
• Clear and specific symbolic
representation of an object
when form is used. An
abstract painting is scored
only when specific representation
is noted, such as it
represents the struggle for
power.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 63
Table 3.7 continued
Category Symbol Name Level Explanation
(ALOG) • Without prompting,
Inappropriate spontaneously uses strained,
Logic unconventional, or loose
logic to justify a response.
❖
ALOG: It’s white so it must
be from an angel.
Perseveration (PSV) Within Card • Within one card,
and Integration Perseveration Perseveration consecutive answers that
Failure have exactly the same
location, determinant,
content, DQ, FQ, and Z
scores. Content score can
change as long as it stays
within the same category.
Popular and Special scores
need not be the same.
• Examinee gives two
separate answers, not an
alternative answer to card.
❖
PSV on Card I: This could
be a bat or it could be a
butterfly, too.
Content • Answer that identifies an
Perseveration object that was seen previously.
Object can be engaged
in a different activity.
❖
PSV on Card I and Card V:
Oh, there’s that butterfly
again, this time it’s sitting
on a branch.
Mechanical • Mechanistic report of the
Perseveration same object over and over
again, usually by examinees
who are cognitively and/or
neurologically impaired.
❖
PSV on Cards I, II, III, etc.:
It’s a bat.
62 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
TRANSFERRING CODES TO THE SEQUENCE
OF SCORES SHEET
The Sequence of Scores sheet has 10 columns listing all the coding scores for
each response. One of Exner’s computer-generated Sequence of Scores sheet
is shown in Table 3.9. If hand-scoring, it might be best for the new examiner
to fill out the Sequence of Scores sheet after completing the coding using our
Scoring worksheet in order to insure greater accuracy, while the more advanced
examiner might fill out the Sequence of Scores sheet at the same time
as he or she codes the responses.
If computer scoring, some examiners use computer software such as
RIAP or ROR-SCAN interpretive reports, specifically designed for the
Exner Comprehensive System. In these cases, the examiner codes the reHOW
TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 65
Table 3.7 continued
Category Symbol Name Level Explanation
(PER) Personalized • Refers to personal knowledge
Answers or experience as part of the
basis for justifying and /or
clarifying a response.
• Response needs to include
more than just general
commentary or a reference
to self (i.e., not just “I think
it looks like . . .” but, “My
mother showed me . . .”)
(CP) Color • Identifies an achromatic
Projection (black-white) area
of the inkblot as chromatic
(colors of the rainbow).
Note. Adapted from Exner (1993), pp. 166–74.
64 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Table 3.8 Special Scores Level 1 and Level 2
Level 1 Responses • Mild or modest instances of illogical, fluid,
particular, or circumstantial thinking. Responses
are similar to cognitive slips that occur when
people are not paying close attention to how
they are expressing themselves or to the
judgments they are making.
• Responses sound like products of immaturity,
lack of education, judgments that are not well
thought out, or careless errors.
Level 2 Responses • Moderate or severe dissociated, illogical, fluid,
or circumstantial thinking. Expressing flawed
judgment and/or a very unusual mode of
talking.
• Responses stand out because of their
bizarreness and seldom create scoring doubts.
When the examiner has legitimate doubts
about whether a response meets level 2
criteria, take a conservative stance and assign
a level 1 score.
Note. Adapted descriptions from Exner (1993), p. 166.
Exclusionary Rules for Special Scores
1. If CONFAB, never include ALOG, even if ALOG is in the response.
2. If CONTAM, never include DV, DR, INCOM, FABCOM, or ALOG, even if in the
response.
3. If DV, DR, INCOM, FABCOM, or ALOG:
a. The verbiage meeting criterion for each of these scores must be
completely separate from the others.
b. When criteria overlap, code only one special score and use a
step-up rule: pick the score with the highest weighted value from
Wsum6. [Weighted values: ALOG (5), FABCOM (4, 7), DR (3, 6), INCOM
(2, 4), DV (1, 2)].
Rapid Reference 3.12
sponses and then enters the scores into the computer program. While examiners
use these software packages because they generate both the Structural
Summary and interpretative information (discussed in the next several chapters),
the printout of the Sequence of Scores sheet that comes with it is an
added advantage.
In Conjunction with our Scoring worksheet
If the examiner has used our Scoring worksheet, filling in the Sequence of
Scores sheet will take only a few minutes. At the end of the coding process,
the examiner should have one Scoring worksheet for each response. The
codes from these pages are now transferred to the Sequence of Scores sheet.
Note that the worksheet’s sections match the Sequence of Scores columns.
Use Table 3.10 for directions and helpful tips on how to transfer the codes
and make the notations.
Without our Scoring Worksheet
The examiner can choose to fill in the Sequence of Scores sheet during the
coding process. The examiner may want to use a pencil rather than a pen, so
corrections look neater. Use Table 3.10 for directions and helpful tips for
filling in what codes goes in each column of the Sequence of Scores sheet.
Table 3.10 Filling in the Sequence of Scores Sheet
Column What Codes Go General
Name in the Column? Tips
Card Card number • Use Roman numerals.
Resp. No. Response number • Use Arabic numerals and number
continuously. Do not renumber each
card.
Location Location codes • List Location code(s) first. S is listed
and DQ (W, D, Dd, S) and after W, D, or Dd.
Developmental Quality
codes (+, v/+, o, v) • After Location codes, list
Developmental Quality code.
Loc. No. Location number code • List number. If DQ is a W may be
leave blank or insert a dash (-).
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 6766 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
Table 3.9 Scoring Sequence for Protocol L.S.
Special
Card No Loc # Determinant(s) (2) Content(s) POP Z Scores
I 1 Wo 1 FMpo A P 1.0
2 W+ 1 Ma-po 2 H, (A) 4.0 AB, COP
3 Ddo 24 Fo Sc
II 4 D+ 6 FMpo 2 Ad P 3.0
5 DS+ 5 ma.CFo Sc, Fi 4.5
III 6 D+ 1 Ma+ 2 H, Ls P 3.0 COP
7 Do 3 FCo Cg
IV 8 W+ 1 FMp.FD.FTo A, Bt 4.0
9 Do 3 FYo Bt PER
V 10 Wo 1 Fo A P 1.0 DR
VI 11 Wo 1 FTo Ad P 2.5
12 Do 4 ma.FYo Sc
13 Do 3 Fo Ay
VII 14 D+ 1 Fo 2 Hd, Id P 1.0
15 Do 2 Fo A
16 W+ 1 Ma+ 2 H 3.0 COP
VIII 17 Wo 1 CFo 2 Art 4.5
18 Do 1 Fo A P
19 Do 4 FMa.FDu A
IX 20 Do 4 Fo Hd
21 Do 8 Fo Hh
22 D+ 1 Ma.mpo H, Sc 2.5
X 23 Do 1 Fo 2 A P
24 Do 7 FMao A
25 W+ 1 CFo 2 Bt 5.5
Note. Copyright © 1976, 1985, 1990 by John E. Exner, Jr.
HOW TO CODE THE RORSCHACH 6968 ESSENTIALS OF RORSCHACH ASSESSMENT
1. What is the cardinal rule of coding?
2. What is the best resource for coding rules?
(a) this Essentials book
(b) Exner’sVolume 1
(c) Exner’s Workbook
(d) all of the above
(e) b and c
3. Specific form demand does not necessarily mean it has a specific
shape. True or False?
4. Almost all responses have a form, so a first-time examiner knows
that he or she can almost always code an F. True or False?
5. If the examinee’s content can’t be listed under any of the other
categories, do not use idiographic (Id or Idio) unless the examiner has
sent a letter to the Rorschach Workshops informing them of the
unusual response. True or False?
Answers: 1.The code or score should represent the cognitive operation at the time the
examinee gave the answer; 2. b; 3. False; 4. False; 5. False.
TEST YOURSELFS
S
Table 3.10 continued
Column What Codes Go General
Name in the Column? Tips
Determinant(s) Determinants with form • List determinants, which are sepaand
Form quality determinants rated by a full stop (.) or periods.
Quality Movement is listed first, followed by
form, color, and shading (in no
particular order). Reflections are
listed last under blends. (Some
instructors prefer to list determinants
based on the order they appear in the
response.)
• Active and passive superscripts
immediately follow a movement
determinant.
• At the end of the row, the last code
should be form quality (if the
response has form).
(2) Pairs determinants (2) • List as (2), if scored.
Content(s) Contents • List one after another in the order
they were stated.
Pop Popular Responses • List P, if scored.
Z Score Organizational Activity • List numeric Z score.
Special Scores Special Scores • List one after another in the order
they were stated.
• For DV, INC, DR, FAB, after the
special score code note if level 1 or 2.