Prediction of later reading ability from kindergarten Rorschach and IQ scores

To test Meyer's proposal that early Rorschach tests could predict later reading skills, the Rorschach and the WISC were administered in kindergarten to 54 children whose reading ability was subsequently tested in the 5th grade. Mean kindergarten IQ was 113; mean 5th-grade reading was Grade 8.2. When grouped in quartiles by reading scores, subjects' Rorschachs showed significant differences on several variables. When IQ was held constant by matching pairs with similar IQ but contrasting reading scores, most Rorschach score differences persisted. Correlation between a predetermined Rorschach prognostic index and 5th-grade reading was .53, that between kindergarten IQ and reading was .57, and the multiple correlation was .73. The Rorschach data apparently reflect perceptual cognitive maturity, which initially and cumulatively shapes reading performance.