NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON PROJECTIVE TESTS: THE RORSCHACH AND THE TAT

The testing situation is examined from an appraisal theory point of view based on Damasio's proposed stages of the self The role of the conscious and unconscious mental processes is discussed in the context of the global workspace (Dehaene, Naccache) The mental processes involved in the production projective tests answers are examined from a neuropsychological perspective, based on Zeki and Kandel's work. The answer to a Rorschach blot is seen as an example of top down processing and is analyzed for the various roles played by the areas of the visual cortex, their integration by neural binding and prefrontal cortex control. Parallels are drawn between the clinical significance of the Rorschach scoring categories and the brain processes discussed. The TAT answers are also considered the result of top down processing, and the neurological basis for assigning intentions to others is analyzed. The appropriateness of answers is discussed emphasizing the role of the lateral prefrontal cortex and of the amygdale in the development of moral judgment. A congruence is found between the dynamic and the neuropsychological theoretical viewpoints.