How dangerous is Wikipedia? : the impact of exposure to internet-based instructional material on selected Rorschach variables

This study investigated differences in R-PAS variables among two groups of participants, those who studied a Wikipedia article with information about the Rorschach (N=44) and those who did not (N=42). This study utilized a repeated measures design, wherein all of the participants took the Rorschach twice. The first time all participants completed the Rorschach under normal conditions. The second time all participants completed the Rorschach under the fake good condition, meaning they were motivated to present themselves in a favorable light. Participants in the experimental group were instructed to read the Wikipedia material before taking the test and to use this information to help them fake good. Results indicated that after reading the Wikipedia material, participants' responses demonstrated significantly improved perceptual accuracy (lower FQ-%). However, the overall findings suggested that most of the selected R-PAS variables were not significantly impacted by exposure to the Wikipedia material. All participants had changes in scores on a number of variables when asked to fake good, regardless of whether or not they were exposed to the Wikipedia material. Results indicated that when participants attempted to fake good, they were able to significantly improve markers of affect regulation (lower CF+C/SumC), coping effectiveness (higher MC-PPD), and interpersonal competency (lower PHR/GPHR). They were also likely to give less complex responses (lower Complexity) that were fewer in total number (lower R). Implications of these results and recommendations for forensic practice are discussed.