Open Access Research Article

Perceptual Accuracy and Thought Complexity of a Correctional Population with the Wechsler IQ Test and the Rorschach

Alberto Miranda1*, Stephen E Berger2, Bina Parekh2 and Ashley Ginter3

1Cultural Neuropsychology Program-Hispanic Neuropsychiatric Center of Excellence, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, USA

2Department of Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Irvine, USA

3Federal Bureau of Prisons, USA

Corresponding Author

Received Date: January 01, 2020;  Published Date: January 17, 2020

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between incarcerated and non-incarcerated individuals on the cognitive measures of the Rorschach Inkblot Test (i.e., FQ-%, FQo%, FQu%, WD-%, Complexity, F%, WSumCog, TP-Comp, and EII-3) to help determine how the two groups process information. In addition, it involved an investigation of performance on the Rorschach variables among different levels of intellectual and perceptual ability as determined by the WAIS-IV to understand how the variables relate to underlying cognitive processes. The study involved the use of archival data from 36 incarcerated males and 43 males receiving community mental health services. Several multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) were used to determine whether differences existed between the two groups, as well as between different levels of intellectual and perceptual ability for each of the specified Rorschach variables. Findings demonstrated differences in Complexity and WSumCog scores among levels of intellectual ability, suggesting more effective processing and synthesis of information with advanced cognitive ability. Differences among perceptual ability levels were found in Complexity, WSumCog, F%, and EII-3 scores. Differences between incarcerated and non-incarcerated individuals were not significant, suggesting Rorschach variables may be less influenced by external factors such as quality of education. Nevertheless, important qualitative distinctions specific to offender cognitive style were identified, which led to recommendations regarding treatment interventions, including the incorporation of cognitive rehabilitation models. Differences within the incarcerated sample based on the level of care needed by the inmate were found for Complexity, F%, WSumCog, EII-3, and TP-Comp, demonstrating a relationship between perceptual dysfunction and adaptability within the correctional environment. Finally, an interaction effect was found between intellectual ability and incarceration status on FQu%, suggesting a preference for more conventional responses with increasing levels of cognitive ability. Future investigations are recommended to consider specific factors involved in the experience of incarceration that may help to explain this relationship.

Citation
Signup for Newsletter
Scroll to Top