Research

Scope and Content Note

These are records of psychological testing of inmates.

Most of the series consists of Psychological Examination Reports describing the results of either the "Tree-House-Person drawing test", in which the psychologist evaluated the inmate's mental condition on the basis of his drawings of a tree, a house, and a person, or of the WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) test. Along with these reports are responses to Rorschach ink-blot pictures.

There are also records of inmates who were parole or execute clemency applicants. Besides psychologist's examination reports, these folders usually contain Psychological Data Forms giving name; number; age; race; date; marital status; military service; offense; sentence; referred by; reason; previous offenses; education; family and social background; employment; institutional programs; significant difficulties; testing results; and other information and comments the psychologist may wish to include. The folders also contain Incomplete Sentences test forms filled in by the inmates up for parole or executive clemency; inmates completed sentences begun with phrases such as "I hate [fill in blank]"; "People [fill in blank]"; or "My greatest worry is [fill in blank]". A few folders also contain WAIS record forms or Rorschach test results.

The series also contains a file of monthly psychologists' reports detailing the number of tests and counseling sessions given. There are also a few sample Mooney Problem Check Lists, in which inmates filled in forms describing their problems and fears.