SKIN CONDUCTANCE RESPONSE TO THE RORSCHACH INKBLOT TEST (GSR, EDA)

The purpose of the study was to further elaborate upon our understanding of the Rorschach Inkblot Test. It is a continuation of previous studies which have measured Galvanic Skin Response during a Rorschach administration. These studies have attempted to determine if the Rorschach evokes anxiety in those who take it. A control stimuli has been included in order to be able to compare any obtained electrodermal response.;The results showed a greater skin conductance response to the Rorschach stimuli than to the pleasant stimuli. This increase in Skin Conductance Response is seen as a defensive response by the subjects to the Inkblots. This defensive response may be caused by anxiety evoked by the stimuli and the test situation.;Twenty undergraduate students were presented with slides of the ten Rorschach Inkblots and ten slides of less ambiguous, pleasant pictures. After a short presentation period, they were instructed to report what they had seen to an assistant. Their skin conductance responses were measured on both the palmar and dorsal surfaces of the palm.