Rorschach test

American  

[rawr-shahk, rohr-] / ˈrɔr ʃɑk, ˈroʊr- /

noun

Psychology.

1. a test for revealing the underlying personality structure of an individual by the use of a standard series of 10 inkblot designs to which the subject responds by telling what image or emotion each design evokes.

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Rorschach test British  

/ ˈrɔrʃax, ˈrɔːʃɑːk /

noun

1. psychol a personality test consisting of a number of unstructured ink blots presented for interpretation

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Rorschach test Scientific  

/ rôr′shäk′,-shäkh′ /

1. A psychological test in which a subject's interpretations of a series of standard inkblots are analyzed as an indication of personality traits, preoccupations, and conflicts. The test is named after its inventor, Swiss psychiatrist and neurologist Hermann Rorschach (1884–1922).

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Rorschach test Cultural  

1. A test for personality traits that relies on the subject's interpretations of a series of inkblots. The test was developed by Hermann Rorschach, a Swiss psychiatrist of the twentieth century.

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Etymology

Origin of Rorschach test

1925–30; named after Hermann Rorschach (1884–1922), Swiss psychiatrist

Example Sentences

With the devastating prospect of a labor apocalypse threatening baseball’s future, the Milwaukee Brewers have emerged as a major-league Rorschach test.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Hess noted that the compact has become something of a “Rorschach test.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s a Rorschach test of how it resonates with a viewer based on their own experience,” Lower says of her character’s neutral expression.

From Los Angeles Times

But one particular photo of Kabosu in 2010 broke through: eyebrows raised and with a look, much like a Rorschach test, that could be read as knowing, mischievous or amused.

From New York Times

In some ways, the protests and the response to them are a Rorschach test for the world — the analysis often offering more insight into local politics than into America.

From New York Times