Location & Space Codes (Where?

)
Code Location Name Description Guidelines Pg
W Whole Response uses entire inkblot Code for single unified object that uses entire inkblot 60
Code for multiple objects that use entire inkblot
Code for responses that include external white space 67
(response must encompass all of the inked area)
D Common Detail Area Response uses one or more frequently used detail areas Response does not qualify for W; no Dd areas included 62
Code multiple D areas for multiple-object-response 62
Code single D area for symmetrically paired objects 64
Code for unified objects w/ secondary elements w/in area 64
Code for near-D responses (dotted lines) 66/67
Dd Unusual Detail Area Response uses one or more rarely used detail areas Code for responses w/ at least one unpaired Dd object 62/63
Code multiple Dd areas for mulitple-object-response 63
Code for paired objects in Dd area (together & individually) 63
Multiple Separate Objects = If response does not qualify for W, code multiple location areas (#'s), but use only one location code (D or Dd) 62
CODE DOWN to Dd for response if at least 1 distinct, separate, unpaired object resides in Dd area
White Space (Code both if SR is integrated w/ an inked region) 71
SR White Space Non-inked or background area on card is a focal percept such that Code if dimensionality in WS response 72
Reversal the traditional figure and ground become reversed Response need not be visually closest object 73
Code if emphasis is placed on WS
SI White Space Non-inked or background area on card is integrated with the inked Code if WS is not prominent figural object 71
Integration areas Code if WS is attribute belonging to inked object
 Content Codes (What?)
Code Description & Guidelines Examples Pg
H Whole human content person, people, child, baby/fetus (embryos), actors 78
depictions of "real" humans (drawings, paintings, photos)
Also code realistically described religious or historical figures who have lived Buddha, Jesus (not w/ supernatural powers) 78
pirates, knights, cowboys (culturally important images)
Also code figures described as humans but w/ non-human parts man w/ wings 78
(H) Imaginary or fictional whole human content human cartoon character, person in dream, ghost, giant 78
Also code quasi-, human-like content "human-like" monsters, robots, aliens, clowns 78
Also code supernatural figures (include mythical figures) God, angels, demons, fairy, centaurs, nymphs, wizards 78
Hd Human detail; for an incomplete human form face, head, leg, hand, arm, chest, mustache, wig 78
Also code if human forms are missing significant part of body (do not code for internal body parts)
(Hd) Imaginary or fictional human detail face of the devil, angel's wing, witch's hand, jack-o-lantern 78
face in the moon, non-specific/human-like mask
A Whole animal content butterfly, elephant, insect, worm, amoeba, pterodactyl 78
Also code figures described as animals but w/ non-animal parts bat w/ hands 78
(A) Imaginary, fictional, or cartoon whole animal content unicorn, pegasus, King Kong, Nemo, teddy bear, dragon 78
Also code figures w/ predominance of animal-like descriptions creatures, monsters, aliens (elaborated as animals) 78
Ad Animal detail; for an imcomplete animal form pelt, head, wing, antler, face, leg, hooves, pincers 79
(Ad) Imaginary or fictional animal detail wing/face of dragon, animal mask, tongue of cartoon rat 79
Whole [H/(H)/A/(A)] = Intended to represent the whole object; Object could survive w/ missing pieces 80
Dead or dying (as long as entire body present, even if in pieces)
Real [H/Hd/A/Ad] = May have unrealistic features if absence of any indication that object is imaginary/fictional/unreal 81
Human [H/(H)/Hd/(Hd)] = Default position unless animal characteristics/parts emphasized 81
An Anatomy; for internal body parts (code with Hd/Ad if external body parts included) skull, pelvis bone, intestines, lungs, ovaries, brain section 80
Also code for structures not seen from the outside cells (not single-celled organisms), open wound 80
Also code for perceptions of anatomy from medical imaging devices MRI, PET scan, X-ray, ultrasound 80
Art Art; for objects of art, images, and expressions paintings, sculptures, lithographs, drawings 80
Also code for objects described as being decorative or ornamental crest, jewelry, ceremonial feathers, delicate/fancy table 80
(DON'T code for simple accessories/non-artistic uses of art materials: bracelet, paint splash) 80
Ay Anthopology; for references to a specific historical or cultural context Native American arrowhead/teepee, African tribal mask 80
(cultural context foreign to respondent's current context) Japanese pagoda, Mongolian yurt, Napolean's hat
"specific" = period in history or particular cultural representation English sea battle w/ frigates 80
(DON'T code for "old" or "foreign"; DON'T code Ay w/ Art unless strong indication) elaborately carved, bejeweled (Art) Moorish scimitar (Ay) 80
Bl Blood Include cuts/wounds described as red 80
Cg Clothing & other secondary items/accessories (if style emphasized also code Art) bowtie, dress, boots, hat, shoes, scarves, glasses 80
Ex Explosion bomb blast, volcanic eruption, fireworks 80
Fi Fire (DON'T code steam or contrails from plane) flames, embers, smoke, colored exhaust (Fi not Ex) 80
Sx Sexual organs/activity; sexually suggestive/see-through clothing penis, vagina, see-through dress 80
(DON'T code for secondary sexual features unless language is suggestive) sequential ID of parts on body, establishing gender 80
NC Objects and contents that are not classified in other categories cloud, landscape, lamp, table, building, food, gadgets 80
Also code for secondary content when there are multiple objects musical instruments, maps, household/scientific objects
Also code for abstractions depression, sensory experiences 80
 Object Qualities (What?)
Code Name Description & Guidelines Examples Pg
Sy Synthesis Distinct and separate objects in a relationship 2 people looking at each other, bear climbing a mountain, 82
Code for meaningful relationships person sitting at a table, wizard w/ cloak flowing out,
Threshold examples for coding Sy: person casting shadow, standing behind... (obscuring), 83
leaning on, lying next to, (object A) coming from (object B)
Code for overarching organization (superordinate category) key words = gathered, together, in love 83
Code for clothing (separate object w/ visually distinct loc.) wearing a bowtie, belt of dress 83
Code for clothing that alters natural shape of person bow sticking out, belt, dress, shoes, boots, hat, robe 83
Also code for illogical relationships bird getting inside guy's head 82
Also code for objects interacting in static settings painting (static) of 2 animals climbing a mountain (Sy) 84
DON'T code for positional descriptors w/out elaboration face to face, facing one another, back to back 82
DON'T code for clothing when not separate/distinct object tuxedo b/c it's black, guy in coat: all you see is fur coat 83
DON'T code for Anatomy (Ay) exceptions = anatomy and bodily fluid distinct objects 83/84
Vg Vagueness Objects w/ vague or indistinct outline or boundary blood, water, clouds, a landmass, smoke, pretty sunset, 81/82
ALL objects must lack specific form demand an explosion, happiness, lots of green foliage
AND respondent doesn't inject a particular form demand (no conventional shape; object can take on many forms)
DON'T code for objects embellished in responses explosion looks like mushroom, blood shooting out in arc 82
DON'T code if at least 1 object has form demand lots of green foliage w/ slender tree trunks 82
2 Pair 2 Identical (distinct) objects based on symmetry of blot 2 people, animals heads, trianlges, crabs 84
Respondent need not establish objects as "identical" (response includes "both sides", "on either side", pointing)
Code for paired clothing not on human body boots, gloves, mittens 84
DON'T code for clothing on a host body person wearing 2 boots 84
DON'T code object subcomponents (bilateral symmetry) face w/ 2 eyes & 2 ears, body w/ 2 arms, 2 lungs 84
Object = Humans, animals, concrete tangible objects 81
Natural/supernatural phenomenon ("heat", "shadow(s)", "magic", "evil", "evolution")
Emotions ("depression")
Neologism or idiosyncratic entity ("nuance")
Form Demand = Outline or internal features inherent in the shape of the object as it is described 81
Object have distinguishing characteristics
 Form Quality (What?)
Code Name Description Guidelines Pg
o Ordinary Form fit that is both relatively frequent and accurate 85
u Unusual Form fit of intermediate frequency or accuracy or both 85
(-) Minus Form fit that is infrequent and inaccurate 85
n None Response doesn't contain object w/ definite form/outline Response typically based on color or shading of the ink 85/86
Code for single object not elaborated w/ form specification ("shape doesn't matter", "there's no particular shape",
"nothing special, just fun colors & motion")
DON'T code for formless object among objects w/ form clouds (formless) over some trees (definite form) 86
FQ Assignment = 1 FQ code is assigned to every response, not to every object in a response 85
FQ Extrapolation = When response is not found in the FQ table, use the closest form match. 86/87
If object is not listed in FQ table it is usually a rare response (FQu/FQ-)
Code response based on examiner asking self, "Can I see it here quickly and easily?"
If "yes" then code FQu, if "no" then code "FQ-"
All FQ extrapolations must share shape and spatial orientation (shared content not sufficient for extrapolation) 89/90
for Single Objects: Use response in its entirety (the whole is more than the sum of its parts) 90
Follow systematic method below (easy matches often occur during Step 1 thereby ending extrapolation process)
Preliminary: Match single-object-response (in it's entirety) to response location in FQ tables (W/D/Dd) 90
(if single-object's location is not listed in FQ tables & it is not a near-D area, SKIP to Step 2; location = Dd99)
Step 1: Search response location in FQ tables for shapes similar to single-object-response & CODE 91
Step 2: If single-object-response is not listed in FQ tables, search areas similar to single-object-response & CODE 91
(for response locations w/out good match in FQ tables, check W & larger D areas that subsume response location)
(for Dd99 locations, check W & larger D areas that subsume the response location)
Step 3a: Identify sub-components of single-object-response (emphasize key perceptual elements) 91
Step 3b: Search sub-component response locations in FQ tables for shapes similar to sub-components & CODE
(if single-object-response sub-component is unlisted, search potential sub-locations & code: if "bird" look for "wings")
Step 4: Give more weight to information derived from earlier steps (similar shapes > similar areas > sub-components) 91/92
for Multiple Objects: Step 1: Identify combined location area of multiple-object-response; if no combined location area, SKIP to Step 4 87
Step 2: Search combined location area in FQ tables for entries similar to multiple-object-response & CODE 87
Step 3: If multiple-object-response is not listed in FQ table under combined location area, SKIP to Step 4 87
Step 4a: If multiple-object-response is not in a combined location area, identify FQ code for each "important" object 87
Step 4b: Treat each "important" object as a single-object-response and code FQ using single object method
Step 4c: Of "important" objects, CODE DOWN to least accurate FQ code (least accurate prevails: FQ- > FQu > FQo)
Step 4d: Responses containing an object w/ form among objects w/out form (form prevails: [FQ-/FQu/FQo] > FQn)
Important Objects = Central or focal objects of multiple object responses 87/88
Most often mentioned first in the response
Asserted w/ more commitment and spontaneity
More than 3 "important" objects is rare
Unimportant Objects = Positional and logical extensions of important objects (NOT coded) 87/88
 Popular Responses (P)
Card Location Popular Criteria Description Pg
I W Bat or Butterfly Must be whole bat or butterfly (may have holes in wings) 95
Head must be at D1 or D22 areas
Moth is not P
II D1 Bear, Dog, Elephant, Lamb Can be head w/ upper body OR whole animal 95
III D9 Whole human figure or Representation of human figure Can include dolls, cartoons, caricatures 95
Human-like objects OR objects w/ animal features not P
If 2 figures reported in D1, D7 must be separate object
Dd31 cannot be included as part of human figure
IV W or D7 Whole human or Human-like figure Can include giant, monster, creature, Bigfoot 95
Human-like figure described as an animal not P
D1 can be seen as separate object
V W Bat or Butterfly Must involve whole ink blot 95
Head or upper portion at D6
Moth is not P
VI W or D1 Animal skin, Hide, Rug, Pelt If whole animal seen, skin/hide must be mentioned 96
Whole animal can be in natural or unnatural form
Head must be at D3 or Dd33 areas
VII D9 Human head or Face, w/out gender or as female or child Can be Native American 96
D9 is always part of broader head percept
D5 area is often seen as hair or a feather
VIII D1 Whole animal figure (bear, canines, felines) Head at D4 96
Includes 4-legged mammals that are stout w/ short necks
(Horse, camel, elephant, giraffe, kangaroo, llama) = not P
IX D3 Human or Human-like figure Includes witch, alien, wizard, monster, devil, creature 96
Objects may be described w/ clothing (hat/robe)
X D1 Crab or Spider All appendages must be restricted to D1 96
If D12 used, it must be separate object (not part of animal)
Location Match = Other objects may be added to the P content 97
Entirety of P content must occupy location area specified
Orientation Match = P content must be described in correct orientation regardless of card orientation 98
Content Match = Idiosyncratic/thematic elaborations do not modify P code 98
 Determinants (Why?) - Part 1
Code Name Description Examples Pg
Movement
M Human Movement Human activity, experience, sensation, emotion fighting, talking, resting, standing, thinking 99
Code for superhuman/supernatural movement flying like Superman, parting the Red Sea 99
Code for animals involved in human activity animals conversing, bugs having fun at a party 99
Code for disembodied human experience/emotion depression, feeling sad, dreaming 99
FM Animal Movement Animal activity & animal experience; animals moving bears climbing, fish swimming, snake stretching, 99
Code for movement suitable for animals dog walking, crow w/ its wings folded
Code for emotional expressions suitbale to an animal excited hyena tearing flesh, angry wolf growling 99
Code for unnatural animal movement in a suitable context bears "dancing" in a circus 99
m Inanimate Movement Mechanical or inorganic movement picture hanging, rocket firing, bleeding, rigor mortis 99
Code for natural forces waterfall, rock falling, wind, gravity 99
Code for tension states if H/A behavior is absent hair standing up on head, hair blowing in the wind 99
Code for sound if act of hearing is absent sound waves, how a loud boom would look 100
Movement Considerations = Always based on nature of movement and not just the host/agent of the action 100
Sentient humans are typically coded M when subject to force (stretched, flattened, falling)
Live animals are typically coded FM when subject to force (stretched, flattened, falling)
DON'T code movement in the past
DON'T code movement of props unless subjecting (in the present) response object to force
Type of Movement Amount of effort or force incorporated in a movement [M/FM/m are appended w/ movement types (a/p/a-p)] 101
( )a Active Code for simple Active movement arguing, laughing, chewing, crawling, eating, kissing, 101
(any movement MORE active than "talking") sobbing, staring, talking loudly, walking, yelling
a clenched fist, stretching (one's muscles)
Code for tension, muscular effort, or structural stress running, spinning, person lifting heavy weight, bird flying 101
Code for static facial expressions if actively elaborated a frown, he's squeezing real hard because he's mad 102
Code for movement involving gravity if actively elaborated jumped, crashing down, skydiving 102
Code for mental tasks more elaborate than "inspecting" concentrating, examining 102
Code for movement elaborated w/ "quick" or "fast" talking real "fast", breathing "quickly" 102
( )p Passive Talking = threshold for most active Passive movement sitting, resting, gliding, soft breeze, murmur, an explosion 101
Code for simple, unelaborated movement breathing, crying, gliding, perched, smelling, sniffing 101
speaking, looking, talking, a fist holding up a finger
Code for active-like movement in passive contexts leaf "spinning" to ground, water left "running" from faucet 101
Code for movement in drawing, painting, photo, or statue diagram of volcano exploding, statue of man throwing 102
Code for movement involving gravity falling, parachuting, running (water) 102
Code for positional descriptions suggesting movement 2 people bent over 102
Code for movement elaborated w/ "slow" or "relaxed" animal moving "slowly", a man stretching and "relaxing" 102
( )a-p both Active & Passive Requires 2 separate objects in movement or tension state 2 girls "dancing" w/ their friend "sitting and watching" them 101
(one is active & one is passive)
CODE UP (Active): 1 object doing both movement types a duck is "sitting" and "quacking wildly" (code Active) 101
CODE UP (Active): 2 objects doing both movement types 2 people "standing" and "wrestling" (code Active) 101
Inanimate movement (a/p) = Code Passive for "clouds forming"; Code Active for "clouds in a storm" (violent weather movements) 102-
Code Passive for objects "on fire"; Code Active for elaborated "fire" responses 103
Code using Active/Passive guidelines for elaborated inanimate movement (lights, flying, liquid, animal skins)
 Determinants (Why?) - Part 2
Code Name Description Examples Pg
Color
FC Form Color Color contributes to response object, but form is dominant 103
Code for objects w/ well defined shape & color unimportant little being w/ large green arms 104
a face...the colors make the face look like a clown face
a praying mantis...the long greenish body
CF Color Form Color is dominant in response object, but form contributes 103
Code for fixed shape objects, if color *clearly* emphasized a pretty butterflythe colorationthe red is striking 104
Code for poorly defined object w/ important color quality it's a brainit's red like bloodthis part could be stem 104
green haze rising, red lights coming from this spot on card
Code for colored object w/ positional relationship & no form a blue lake next to a mountain 104
colorful decorations on a Christmas tree
deer hiding in green forestthe green is covering the deer
C Color (no Form) Color determines response object w/out form playing a part a beautiful paintingjust the colors make it look like that 104
it's red bloodno particular shape
abstract representation of gardencolors represent vegies
CF/C versus FC = Respondent's communication emphasis will decide color v. form dominance (commitment, spontaneity, emotionality) 105
Clarify (in order to code CF/C) when respondent mentions a specific color or uses color key words ("it's pretty")
Likely code CF/C for color-convergent responses (objects w/ color as intrinsic feature): "this red is blood"
Multiple Colored Objects = Color is coded on a per object basis (response may contain multiple objects w/ different color/form codes) 105
Only 1 color/form code per response; CODE DOWN to code w/ least form (color prevails: C > CF > FC)
C' Achromatic Color Black, Grey, or White color of ink contributes to response white ghost, grey bug, eclipse: sun is black w/ white edge 106
Code for achromatic color convergence (intrinsic feature) the black is coal 106
Include SI/SR for objects seen as white 4 white ghosts (SR & C') 106
CF/C & C' not coded = DON'T code CF/C if color is used for location the red could be a bowtie, the blue looks like a spider 106
DON'T code C' is achromatic color is used for location the white is the eyes, the black is tweezers
DON'T code color for responses on an achromatic card "purple" and "brown" refering to achromatic areas of card
Shading (Light & Dark gradations of ink; Multiple shading codes can be coded w/in one response) 109
T Texture Shading w/ tactile impression (note gestures) a cloudthe lightness of the shades make it look soft 108
(If "texture" & "fur" refer to qualities of object = no T) taffythe spots or dots make it look gooey
icethe lines in the middletouching it would be freezing
V Vista Shading w/ dimensionality or perspective (note gestures) the eyes are blacker splotchesthey stick out 107
shadow is behind because it's a blacker grey
Code for contrast btwn black areas & white space areas huge cave opening...the white space & the black around it 107
Y Diffuse Shading Shading w/out tactile impression or dimensionality a cloud because of the different shades 107
(If ambiguity exists btwn C' & Y: code down to Y) bright spots make it look shiny
the blotches there make it look scary
FD Form Dimension Blot outlines generate perception of depth/dimensionality rabbit behind a bush 109
Code if no shading is involved a giantthe feet are big & head is small & further away
r Reflection Object + mirror image/reflection (use card's vertical midline) a woman looking at herself in the mirror 110
Responses CANNOT be coded both reflection & pair (a reflective surface typically required in the response)
F Form Responses in which form is the only determinant F never coded in blend (it's an exclusionary simplification) 111
 Cognitive Codes (Part 1)
Code Name Description WSum- Examples Pg
(Language/Reasoning) Cog
DV1 Deviant Verbalization Uninformed, inefficient, benign, playful, immature language looks like those "talky" flowers at Disneyland 113
(Level 1) Mistakes in word use w/ odd language (easily understood) 1 I have a very "wide" imagination
Misinformed, quaint, unsophisticated, or stilted language the "clusteration" of red is significant for
Poor syntax, neologisms, closely related word substitutions it's from a "biography" lab...the cell structure
DV2 Deviant Verbalization Incomprehensible/very difficult to understand word misuse formation w/ something formatted out of its head 113-
(Level 2) Meaning is unclear or internally inconsistent/contradictory 2 the outside lookersthe onlookers of the outside 114
Communication faliure & Meld of mutually exclusive ideas an ancillarian vestige pig
Corrected DVs = Eliminate DV1 code or reduce severity of DV2 code if deviant verbalization was *immediately* corrected 114
DV versus INC = Code INC if verbalization does not lean in specific direction & does not suggest word finding difficulties 127
DR1 Deviant Response Deviate from task (TASK = answer "What might this be?") tigerI like those tigerstigers are beautiful 115
(Level 1) Loose associations to the blot, task distortions, rambling 3 It's the kind of bug anybody would step on
Brief, inappropriate, circumstantial, task-unrelated language oh, did you see that movie? Do you remember...
Treating response as real (mild affective elaboration) this is a bug w/ bloodhow did that happen?
DR2 Deviant Response Incomprehensible explanations or elaborations when you cry a lot it makes you look softer 116
(Level 2) Irrelevant, nonsensical answers that distort the task 6 it's blood, I cut myself on glass, don't know how
Illogical and striking affective reactions a type of bug that no one has ever seen before
Behavioral interaction w/ response (treating as if real) the butterfly flying that I saw before
Fluid responses (perceived one way, then seen different) Here's Liberty Bellhead of bear, but cracked
NON-DR statements = DON'T code brief asides; brief parenthetical/flippant/insecure comments; simple descriptions of personal attitudes 117
"I must be hungry"/"You'll probably think this is stupid"/"This test is hard"/"I don't have children, but"
Threshold for DR = "Two Step" Guideline: at least 2 statements w/ 2nd statement not closely related to Rorschach task 117
PEC Peculiar Logic Peculiar, confused, strained, restrictive reasoning coming apart at seam, cause it's schizophrenic 118
(must be used to justify/elaborate response & spontaneous) 5 it's on the top so it must be a crown
Number/Position/Color reasoning (overly concrete) it's green so it's gotta be a maple leaf
Both confused reasoning & illogically restrictive compinents has to be kidneys because it's next to the horse
Tentative Language = DON'T code PEC for responses w/ restrictive language when more tentative language or uncertainty also used 119
Restricitive ("because"/"has to be"/"must be") versus Tentative ("if"/"could be"/"it looks like"/"I guess")
Spontaneous &Strained = DON'T code PEC for responses w/ tentative language & clarifications w/ restrictive language (CP can't override RP) 120
DON'T code PEC for non-spontaneous illogically restrictive components in CP (prompted by clarifying question)
 Cognitive Codes (Part 2)
Code Name Description WSum- Examples Pg
(Perceptual) Cog
INC1 Incongruous Implausible combinations w/in a single object 2 bat w/ horns on head, flying lion 121
Combination (Level 1) Code for mythological creatures (w/out proper names) winged horse (no reference to Pegasus)
Code for implausible color combinations red lion, red bear
Code for implausible attributes/features praying mantis w/ hands
INC2 Incongruous *Bizarre* illogical combinations of attributes/features 4 guy w/ two heads for feet, a winged penis 120
Combination (Level 2) Code for actions bizarrely incompatible w/ nature of object a dive-bombing butterfly
Code for objects w/ missing parts & impossible action a bird eating w/out a mouth
Missing Parts = DON'T code INC for objects missing parts/subcomponents (unless it includes a determinant that requires missing part) 122
FAB1 Fabulized Combination Implausible/impossible relationships btwn 2 or more objects 4 butterfly picking up a bear, 2 lions shaking hands 122
(Level 1) bugs, worms, & crickets at a party
bears dancing w/ each other
2 praying mantises playing cards
FAB2 Fabulized Combination *Bizarre* illogical relationships btwn 2 or more objects 7 2 people physically attached 122
(Level 2) a person...you can see the heart pounding
four legs sitting on a butterflythey're crossed
2 people and in between them are their hearts
Permissive Contexts = DON'T code INC/FAB if context is provided that makes combination of subcompenents/features plausible and possible 121
("a person w/ a penis & breastsa hermaphrodite"/"a bear dancing in a circus")
DON'T code for imaginative contexts that make odd combinations reasonable (cartoon, dream, artwork) 124
Code for bizarre and uncensored content regardless of context
INC versus FAB = Code INC for implausible combination w/in one object 120
Code FAB for implausible combination among two or more objects
CON Contamination 2 mutually exclusive response objects occupy same area 7 "a bathere's the wings and body, face, cheeks, 124
(a percept visually superimposed on another in same area) mouth, and the eyes are these white spaces
Visual condensation or fusion it's flying"

Multiple Cognitive Codes = Code one Cognitive Code for a response w/ single disordered features (verbalization or discrete object) 112
CODE DOWN to more severe Cognitive Code if 2 codes apply to the same disordered feature
Severity determined by WSumCog (CON/FAB2 > DR2 > PEC > INC2/FAB1 > DR1 > DV2/INC1 > DV1)
Code multiple Cognitive Codes for a response w/ multiple-independent-disordered features (verbalizations/discrete objects)
Level 1 = 1. Implausible combinations w/ FQo or FQu objects 6. Implicit mythological/cultural object (half goat/half man) 125-
2. Equivalent somatic substitutiions (paws = hands) 7. Obsessive-compulsive processing 126
3. Simple, playful anthropomorhisms (bears & patty-cake) 8. Rationale for implausibility followed by Level 2 response
4. Odd but understandable verbalizations (nuzzle = muzzle) 9. Common Level 1 responses elicited by card design
5. Conventional symbolism/imagery (girls on flying carpet) (see page 126 for common Level 1 cogntive codes)
Level 2 = 1. Absurd, preposterous, impossible combinations 7. Confusing symbolism 126-
2. Contradictory, opposite, mutually exclusive connotations 8. Irrelevant, nonsensical responses 127
3. Scrambled body parts 9. Misattributions of human agency
4. Confusion between merged entities or organisms 10. Fluid answers
5. Animate-Inanimate combinations (bird w/ landing gear) 11. Major breakdowns in censorship
6. Incomprehensible verbalizations
 Thematic Codes
Code Name Description Examples Pg
ABS Abstract Concrete blot features are representational & symbolize the red symbolizes passionthe green, envy 130
Representation an abstract, higher order construct or concept 2 theatrical masks; Comedy on left, Tragedy on right
DON'T code for words "abstract"/"represents"/"symbolizes" it represents a person, an abstract painting, 131
w/out presence of symbolic representation a country's insignia, a Chinese symbolthe shape of it
PER Personal Knowledge Personal knowledge or experience used to justify response it's a tulipI know they look like that cause I grow them 131
Justification (self-centered/boastful defense of one's self-image) it's boogersI know because I have boys
DON'T code for sharing experience or trying to connect colors are beautifulI think of flowersI like flowers a lot 132
COP Cooperative Cooperative, positive, or pleasant interactions are occurring people exercising in class together, bird feeding its young 132
Movement between two objects (M/FM must be coded) waiters setting a table, kids on a seesaw, people in debate
Type 1: mutually enhancing satisfying interactions 2 monkeys praying, bugs having fun at a party 132
Type 2: teamwork or "helping" responses people cooking a stew, ladies kicking legs in can-can 133
Threshold key words include "each other" and "together" people talking to each other, people waving at each other 133
MAH Mutuality of Two objects are mutually and autonomously engaged in a 2 people singing a duet, 2 bears giving each other high-5's 135
Autonomy-Health reciprocally interactive activity (both objects seen in blot) 2 bears racing each other, 2 women discussing politics
Threshold for mutuality higher for MAH than COP 2 friends waving to each other (w/out "friends" = COP) 136
MAP Mutuality of An agent or response object is destructive to another object a panther chasing it's prey 135
Autonomy-Pathology or intentionally compromises autonomy/integrity of other the trees are on firethe fire is burning up the trees
object (relationship that depicts severe imbalance) 2 people tied to a stakethe fire is burning them
Also code for implied relationship w/ response "props" cat that's been run over (prop = vehicle not seen in blot) 134
(implied relationships w/ unseen objects) prehistoric fish getting ready to devour something (prop)
Code for "equal" relationships ONLY if objects are damaged 2 bears fighting each otherthey're all bloody in their fur 134
DON'T code for "logically implied" damage or harm "a pelt" (no MAP) versus "a skinned animal" (MAP)
Mulitple MA codes = CODE DOWN to MAP if response contains both MAH & MAP (pathology prevails: MAP > MAH) mutually exclusive 134
Non MAH/MAP = DON'T code for parallel activity or simple interaction w/out mutuality: "2 bears, they look tired"/"2 guys playing horns" 137
DON'T code for external support/direction, dependency, lack of balance/sturdiness, joined/fused objects, reflections
COP/MAH/MAP = Always code COP when MAH is coded (MAH is a subset of COP) 136
May code COP w/ MAP (MAH code spoiled): "two lions tracking (COP/MAH) their prey (MAP), you can see it hiding"
AGM Aggressive Movement Aggressive or hostile activity, intent, or ideation is a bomb is blowing up a city, armies in combat 137
occurring in the response ( M/FM/m must be present) person in the middle of being ripped apart by 2 wolves
DON'T code for aggressive actions in the past painting w/ bullet hole in it, a ship that exploded 137
DON'T code for equivocal situations 2 people struggling with each other 137
Code for tension states & anticipatory/preparatory activities stalking for prey, about to pounce, sneaking up behind 137
Code for evil intentions and anger a mean person (no AGM); an angry person (AGM) 137
AGC Aggressive Content Response content involves an aggressive, dangerous, harmful, injurious, malevolent, or predatory element 137-
1. Weapons 4. Powerful and dangerous environmental forces 138
2. Animals considered dangerous to humans 5. Powerful, threatening, dangerous creatures or objects
3. Animal parts associated w/ power, threat, or harm potential (see page 140 for AGC threshold examples)
This or That Responses = Code AGC if ambiguity not clarified & one object in "this or that" response qualifies as AGC: "a tiger, maybe a fish" 139
Multiple AG codes = Code both AGC & AGM for responses that qualify for both: "an angry tiger"/"monster yelling at someone" 139
MOR Morbid Content Objects are damaged or states of distress or dysphoria crumpled up leaf, person in a wheelchair, figure of Death, 140
are attributed to them very sad face, red eyeshe's crying, darkness-it's gloom
 Oral Dependency Language (ODL)
Description: Verbalizations are linguistically linked to oral activity and content or interpersonal passivity and dependence
Only code ODL for language/percepts in the response phase (RP)
Categories Examples Guidelines Pg
Oral Content
Foods & Drinks ice cream, cotton candy, catsup, milk, whiskey, DON'T code for animals unless associated w/ eating 143
boiled lobster, fried shrimp, cooking, food coloring, (duck & chicken coded w/ clear food implications)
tomato bugs, jellyfish, fruit tree, vegetable garden, chili Code for fruits & vegetables commonly eaten
Code for water/shrimp/mushroom if consumption indicated
Food Sources breakfast table, "setting a table," restaurant, saloon, DON'T for code butler/maid unless bringing food/drink 143
& Providers market, waiter, cook, bartender, breast, busty woman
Passive Food bird in a nest, fat or thin man, skinny butterfly, pot belly, 143
Receivers heavy ballerina
Food Organs mouth, teeth, tongue (including on shoe), lips, cheek, beak, DON'T code for moustache, beard, goatee, other facial hair 143
duckbill, elephant trunk, tusks, belly (include belly dancer), DON'T code for abdomen unless elaborated as food organ
stomach, snout, fangs
Oral Activity eating, talking, singing, kiss, smile, frown, spit, laughing, 143
breathing, smoking, sucking, puckering, biting, arguing,
blowing (including blowfish), woodpeckers, anteaters
Food Objects kettle, spoon, silverware, drinking glass, straw, bra, DON'T code for pot/bowl/cauldron unless cooking implied 143
wine glasss, tuning fork
Oral Instruments lipstick (includes mouth or stain), cigarette, mouthpiece, 143
tuba or other woodwind and brass musical instruments
Dependency Content
Passivity & confused, lost, or drunken person; Code for "baby" only if suggestion of passivity/frailness 144
Helplessness papoose, baby birds, weeping willow
"Baby Talk" patty-cake, bunny rabbit, pussy cat, puppy dog, DON'T code for "bunny/kitten/puppy" w/out elaboration 144
Responses itsy-bitsy spider
Pregnancy & placenta, womb, ovaries, embryo, fetus, pistil, stamen, egg DON'T code for sex organs (penis, vagina, pelvis) 144
Reproductive Organs
Struggle for Life, caterpillar turned into butterfly; regrowth on the bark of tree; Code for percepts/language referencing renewal/birthing 144
Regeneration/Renewal start of a person transforming, like a new beginning (words that connote frailty, weakness, or helplessness)
Begging & Praying dog beggin, person saying prayers, praying mantis, 144
crab raising arms to heaven
Nurturers mother, father, doctor, God, Jesus, island god, DON'T code for "angel" w/out elaboration as nurturer 144
Indian Spirit, guardian angel
Gifts & Gift Givers Christmas tree, cornucopia, genie, fairy godmother DON'T code for "wizard" w/out elaboration as wish-granting 144
Good Luck Objects totem pole, wishbone, four-leaf clover, horseshoe crab 144
Non ODL = DON'T code ODL for negation of oral/dependent percepts: "no mouth"/"nobody talking"/"totally independent person" 144
DON'T code for objects not derived from food or drinks (names do not suggest food item): "butterfly"/"hamster"
DON'T code ODL for respondent commentary: "I feel helpless on this test"/"I'm getting hungry" 145
DON'T code for states/experiences that may lead to dependent/intimate behavior: "confusion"/"love"/"distress"
This or That responses = Code ODL if ambiguity not clarified & one object in "this or that" response qualifies as ODL: "praying, or giving high-5's" 145