Intellectual/Personality Test: Chapter 1

What is the Binet-Simon test and how does it relate to Stern’s IQ test? What was another purpose of early psychological testing?

• The Binet-Simon test is the first society wide IQ assessment, and was replaced by Stern’s IQ test when it was observed being used for oppressive purposes.

• The military also conducted psychological tests during WWI in 1917 for recruitment.

What is the difference between psychological testing and psychological assessment?

• Psychological testing has a goal of gathering a sample of behavior while psychological assessment is the gathering and interpretation of data to make a psychological evaluation, both of which use special tools.

What are some varieties of assessment?

• Retroactive assessment is assessment in which the evaluation assesses someone as they were before the time of the assessment. 

• Remote assessment is the use of technology to gather information from assessee’s not in proximity to the assessor.

  • Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) is the evaluation of specific problems and related variables at an exact time or place they occur. 

    • This type of assessment is controversial, starting with Dr. Dror Ben-Zeev who turned an assessee’s phone into a microphone, camera, etc.

What is the process of assessment?

• First, the assessor is given a referral possibly with specific referral questions to focus on. 

• Then, the tools used for the assessment are chosen based off of preferences, institutional limitations, and credibility

• Finally, the formal assessment begins and at the end, the assessor writes a report to answer the specified referral questions.

What are collaborative psychological assessments? What are some varieties?

• Collaborative psychological assessments are assessments in which the assessee and assessor work together, incorporating feedback into assessment.

  • Two types of collaborative psychological assessments are therapeutic psychological assessment, in which results are shared immediately for self-discovery, and dynamic assessments that gauge benefits of educational intervention (evaluation, intervention, evaluation).

What is the definition of a test? And In what ways can tests differ?

• Tests are measuring devices or procedures and they can differ in content, format, administration procedures, scoring and interpretation  and psychometric soundness (credibility).

  • A cut score divides a data set in 2+ categories

What is an interview? What are some varieties?

• An interview is the gathering of information through direct communication, that involves reciprocity and capturing non-verbal cues.

  • Two types of interviews are a panel interview, in which there are multiple assessors present, and a motivational interview that combines listening skills to motivation and therapeutic change.

What are other forms of testing?

• Other forms of testing include portfolio, case history data, behavioral observation, roleplay tests, computers as tools, and others (video, biofeedback, and smell tests).

What are different scoring reports given by computers being used as tools for testing?

• Computers can offer simple scoring reports, with raw data, or extended scoring reports that include statistical analysis. Or, they can offer interpretive reports that are more detailed, as well as consultative reports that offer an expert opinion and integrated reports which include all records of a person.

What is computer adaptive testing (CAT)?

• Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) is a form of testing that keeps students receiving questions that are in their skill ability. (SAT)

What is the Computer Assisted Psychological Assessment (CAPA) and what are the pros and cons of it?

• Computer assisted psychological assessment is using a computer to assist with psychological tests, and there are pros and cons. 

  • Pros include the availability of assessee’s, saving time and costs, green

  • Cons include the fact that you can’t verify who’s actually behind the screen and the use of outside resources

    • Test-Client integrity is making sure assessee’s don’t know questions beforehand

Who are the parties of assessment?

• The parties of assessment include the test developer, test user, test taker. Society, and other parties like companies that offer scoring services and those who test psychometric soundness. 

  • Standards for Education and Psychological Testing (1954) state who has the right to use these tests.

What is a psychological autopsy?

• A psychological autopsy is a reconstruction of a person’s psychological profile after they’re deceased.

Why are assessments used in educational settings?

Assessments are used in educational settings to set students up for success. The achievement test is the typical class test of what has been learned. A diagnostic test assists with finding deficits for intervention, and an informal evaluation.

Why are assessments used in clinical settings?

Assessments are used in clinical settings for intelligence tests, personality tests, and psychoneurological tests. They are often used in the military, hospitals, clinics, schools, and institutions.

Why are assessments used in counseling settings?

Assessments are used in counseling settings for academic skills, personality ,interest, attitudes, and values. They are most used in schools, prisons, and institutions.

Why are assessments used in geriatric settings?

Assessments are used in geriatric settings for functioning and quality life. This could be at home or in a nursing facility.

Why are assessments used in business/military settings?

• Military uses assessment for career, promotions, and attitudes.

• Businesses use assessment to assess their marketing strategies.

Why are assessments used in court settings?

Assessments are used in courts to decide whether a defendant is fit to stand trial or for expert witnesses.

What are the obligations of a test user before the assessment?

• ensure the test is a good fit for the testee and ensure they can’t know the questions beforehand.

What are the obligations of a test user during the assessment?

• ensuring a trained person is assessing, removing distractions, and building rapport.

What are the obligations of a test user after the assessment?

• safeguarding protocols,

• scoring and interpretation,

• making sure to note anything out of the ordinary,

• and convey results in a digestible way.

What happens when people with disabilities are assessed?

• According to law, we must make accommodations for people with disabilities being assessed – but what those accommodations are is left to each district.

• Accommodation should be issued according to

  • the abilities of the assessee,

  • purpose of the assessment,

  • meaning attached to test scores,

  • and capabilities of the assessor.

What are reference sources and what are the pros and cons of them?

• Test catalogues are from the test developer, meaning it lacks critique.

• Test manuals

• Professional books

• Reference volumes are third party reviews.

• Journal Articles:

• Online Databases can be helpful but are usually not.