Nature and Use of Tests: Psychological Assessment

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering definitions, differences between testing and assessment, test characteristics, classifications, and functions from the Psychological Assessment lecture.

How are Assessment, Evaluation, and Measurement (testing) related in psychological assessment?

They form a cyclical process where Assessment, Evaluation, and Measurement (testing) continuously interact with and inform one another.

How do Watson and Flamez (2015) define counseling assessment?

It is the process by which counselors gather the information they need to form a holistic view of their clients and the problems with which they present.

How is assessment defined in terms of integrating multi-source information?

It is a process that integrates test information with information from other sources, such as an individual's social, educational, employment, health, or psychological history.

What question does assessment aim to answer regarding student performance?

Assessment uses a variety of procedures to answer the question: "how well does the individual perform?"

How do Cohen, Swerdlik, and Sturman (2013) define psychological assessment?

The gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purpose of making a psychological evaluation.

How do Cohen, Swerdlik, and Sturman (2013) define psychological testing?

The process of measuring psychology-related variables by means of devices or procedures designed to obtain a sample of behavior.

How does Coaley (2014) structure the Taxonomy of Psychological Assessment?

Psychological Assessment is categorized into Measurement (which includes item responses evaluated as correct/incorrect leading to Tests, and responses not using correct/incorrect evaluating questionnaires/inventories) and Non-measurement (which includes Interviews, observations, and other questionnaires/checklists).

What are the 4 Pillars of Assessment?

1. Standardized, norm-referenced tests
2. Interviews
3. Behavioral observations
4. Other techniques

How is measurement defined, and what central question does it address?

Measurement is the process of obtaining a numerical description of the degree to which an individual possesses a particular characteristic. It is limited to quantitative description and answers "how much?"

How is a test defined in terms of measuring behavioral samples?

An instrument or systematic procedure for measuring a sample of behavior by posing a set of questions in a uniform manner.

How do Kaplan & Saccuzzo (2001) define a test?

A measurement device or technique used to quantify behavior or aid in the understanding and prediction of behavior.

How is evaluation defined in psychological assessment?

The general process of making judgments and decisions.

How do testing and assessment differ in their core objective?

Testing aims to obtain a gauge (usually numerical) regarding an ability or attribute. Assessment aims to answer a referral question, solve a problem, or arrive at a decision using tools of evaluation.

How do testing and assessment differ in terms of process and focus?

Testing focuses on summing up correct answers or specific responses with little regard for mechanics. Assessment is typically individualized and focuses on how an individual processes information rather than just the results.

How does the role of the evaluator differ between testing and assessment?

In testing, the tester is not key to the process and can be substituted without appreciably affecting the situation. In assessment, the assessor is key to selecting tools and drawing conclusions from the evaluation.

What skill differences exist between test administrators and assessors?

Testing requires technician-like skills in administration, scoring, and basic score interpretation. Assessment requires educated selection of tools, evaluation skill, and thoughtful organization and integration of data.

How do outcomes differ between psychological testing and psychological assessment?

Testing yields a test score or series of test scores. Assessment yields a logical problem-solving approach that integrates multiple sources of data to address a referral question.

How do Anastasi & Urbina (1997) define a psychological test?

An instrument used to measure differences between individuals or between the reactions of the same individual under different circumstances.

How does Aiken (1994) define a psychological test?

An instrument used to evaluate behavior, mental abilities, and other personal characteristics to assist in making judgments, predictions, and decisions about people.

What determines the diagnostic or predictive value of a psychological test?

It depends on the degree to which the test serves as an indicator of a relatively broad and significant area of behavior, though individual items do not need to resemble the exact behavior being predicted.

What two key components define test standardization?

1. Uniformity of procedure in administration and scoring (guided by detailed constructor directions).
2. Establishment of norms by administering the test to a standardization sample.

How is reliability defined in psychological testing?

The consistency of scores obtained by the same persons when retested with the identical test or with an equivalent form of the test.

How is validity defined in psychological testing?

The degree to which a test actually measures what it purports to measure, providing a direct check on how well the test fulfills its function.

What are the primary functions of psychological tests?

Screening for admission; classification and placement; guidance and counseling; retention, dismissal, rotation, or promotion; diagnosis and prescription of treatments; evaluation; and research.

What is the difference between standardized and non-standardized tests?

Standardized tests are constructed by professional test makers, administered to a representative sample, and have fixed directions and converted scores. Non-standardized tests are informally constructed by school teachers.

What is the difference between speed tests and power tests?

Speed tests contain many easy items with strict time limits that prevent completion. Power tests contain difficult items with sufficient time limits.

What is the difference between objective and non-objective tests in scoring?

Objective tests have fixed, precise scoring standards. Non-objective tests rely on subjective scoring where different scorers may obtain different results.

What is the distinction between verbal and performance tests?

Verbal tests present written or oral tasks, whereas performance tests require the physical manipulation of objects.

How do cognitive tests differ from affective tests?

Cognitive tests attempt to quantify the process and products of mental activity, whereas affective tests assess non-cognitive characteristics such as personality or attitudes.

What is the difference between Maximum Performance Measures and Typical Performance Measures?

Maximum performance measures assess what people can do when trying their hardest, while typical performance measures assess what individuals normally do or how they typically are.

What is the difference between norm-referenced and criterion-referenced test interpretations?

Norm-referenced tests compare performance against a standardization sample, while criterion-referenced tests compare performance against a pre-established set standard.