The Convergent Validity of MMPI and Rorschach Scales: An Extension Using Profile Scores to Define Response and Character Styles on Both Methods and a Reexamination of Simple Rorschach Response

Abstract

Past research indicated the convergence of Rorschach and MMPI scales may be a function of (a) simple Rorschach response frequency (R) or (b) complex response-character styles on both methods. In this study, new criteria were developed for defining the second assumption using F and K from the MMPI and R and Lambda from the Rorschach. Although substantially different from the factor criteria used previously (KS = .45 and .30), the new criteria still produced the expected pattern of correlations among MMPI and Rorschach scales. Averaged across 17 constructs, the new criteria produced strong validity coefficients for patients with similar styles (M composite r = .50), though they were less effective for patients with discordant styles (M composite r = -.27). It was also demonstrated that R by itself does not moderate convergent validity. Rather, statistical modeling with two sets of 300 random samples (a) demonstrated the prior findings related to R were the result of sampling error and (b) supported the general hypothesis that Rorschach and MMPI scales correlate to the extent response-character styles correlate. Implications are considered.

The Association of Gender, Ethnicity, Age, and Education With Rorschach Scores

“…The mean intraclass correlations across all coders ranged from good to excellent (.69 to .87) and across the three most experienced judges it was excellent for all variables (.79 to .93; Meyer et al, 2011). Inter-rater reliability for the Adult Clinical Sample was reported by Meyer (1997Meyer ( , 1999 Reese et al (2014), and the results indicated that most of the variables (i.e., 44) had excellent inter-rater reliability (i.e., ICCs greater than .74), with the remaining variables (7) having good inter-rater reliability (i.e., ICCs between .60 and .74).…”

Assessing Implicit Motives in U.S. College Students: Effects of Picture Type and Position, Gender and Ethnicity, and Cross-Cultural Comparisons

“…Specifically, Meyer (1999) found that individuals who are neither defensive nor exaggerate their responses show convergent responses on Rorschach and MMPI (Hathaway & McKinley, 1943) measures of the same personality traits. To explore the possibility that the low correlations between implicit and explicit measures of motivation we observed in our research may be due to individuals who hold back on the PSE (indicated by very short protocols), we ran a series of regression analyses in which we tested whether protocol length moderated the association between PSE and PRF measures of the same motivational need but without significant results (ps > .05).…”

“…PANG AND SCHULTHEISS 2 Meyer (1999) reported that correlations between Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 1993) and self-report measures of personality and clinical symptoms can become positive and substantial once individuals' response style is taken into account. Specifically, Meyer (1999) found that individuals who are neither defensive nor exaggerate their responses show convergent responses on Rorschach and MMPI (Hathaway & McKinley, 1943) measures of the same personality traits.…”

Association of Rorschach and MMPI Psychosis Indicators and Schizophrenia Spectrum Diagnoses in a Russian Clinical Sample

“…The topic has not yet been studied exhaustively, and summaries of existing studies have drawn disparate conclusions (e.g., Archer, 1996;Ganellen, 1996aGanellen, , 1996bGanellen, , 1996cMeyer, 2000;Viglione, 1999;Wood, Nezworski, Stejskal, Garven, & West, 1999). Meyer (1997Meyer ( , 1999 has reported that the degree of correspondence between the two tests is much stronger among participants who have a similar response style on each test. For example, the correlation between the SCZI and Sc was statistically significant and ranged from r = .19 to r = .54 depending on the criteria used to define response style (Meyer, 1999).…”

“…Meyer (1997Meyer ( , 1999 has reported that the degree of correspondence between the two tests is much stronger among participants who have a similar response style on each test. For example, the correlation between the SCZI and Sc was statistically significant and ranged from r = .19 to r = .54 depending on the criteria used to define response style (Meyer, 1999). Meyer (1997) argued that the MMPI and Rorschach are such different approaches that "it should not be surprising if [they] obtain qualitatively different types of information"(p. 299).…”