Only an inkblot? A literature review of the neural correlates of the Rorschach inkblot test

Introduction

This database includes the data linked with the paper “Only an inkblot? A literature review of the neural correlates of the Rorschach inkblot test” published in “Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews”.

In this paper, we reported information on neural correlates of the underlying perceptual-cognitive processing and potentially identify neuroimaging markers of psychopathology risk assessed through the Rorschach inkblot test.  The present review offers a systematization of the available literature on the Rorschach inkblot test and neuroimaging research.

Methods

The 13 selected studies had been conducted with healthy participants and using fMRI, EEG, and fNIRS to investigate the neural underpinnings of Rorschach inkblot test responses.

Results

The temporo-occipital and posterior temporal gyrus activations suggest not a primary visual activation but denote more complex visual processing. A positive personal attitude towards ambiguity is associated with increased response in the visual cortex when presenting ambiguous stimuli. The limbic system activation highlights underlying processing in the emotional and memory domains responses in the "oral" domain are associated with motor and premotor activation. MNS activity has been observed during both movements' execution and observation.