Differences in the Perceptual Processes Behind Shading and Achromatic Color Responses on the Rorschach: Comparison of Locations Using Eye Movement Measurements

Differences in perceptional processes between shading responses and achromatic-color responses were examined by comparing eye movements. The following hypotheses were tested. Hypothesis 1: Shading responses, compared to non-shading responses, would show an increased fixation time directed at the inside of the area of shading stimuli and a decreased fixation time directed at the outline. Hypothesis 2: The differences in fixation times proposed in Hypothesis 1 would not be observed between achromatic-color responses and non-achromatic-color responses. Eye movement data of 60 responses produced for the W in Card IV and D1 in Card VI were analyzed. The results indicated that shading responses had significantly longer fixation times directed at the inner area and significantly shorter fixation times directed at the outline, compared to non-shading responses. On the other hand, achromatic-color responses did not show a significant main effect or interaction. The above results supported Hypotheses 1 and 2.