CONTRIBUTIONS OF COGNITIVE SCIENCE TO THE RORSCHACH TECHNIQUE - COGNITIVE AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF THE RESPONSE PROCESS

This article presents an understanding of the Rorschach Technique in t erms of emergent models from cognitive science. We propose a linkage b etween cognitive psychology and neuropsychology in understanding the o perations that underlie the Rorschach response process. Contemporary i nformation processing models are described. The Rorschach Technique is conceived of as a complex process involving all areas of the cerebral hemispheres, encompassing various aspects of visual attention and per ception, object recognition, associative memory, language production, and executive functioning. Exner's model of the response process is de lineated, including both Association and Inquiry phases, in terms of r equisite underlying neuropsychological abilities and anatomical substr ates. The question of the Rorschach Technique's status, utility, and p otential as a neuropsychological assessment tool is discussed. Underst anding the Rorschach in terms of contemporary cognitive psychological and neuropsychological models heightens appreciation of the technique' s complexity and provides a heuristic and conceptual foundation for em pirical research.