Psychological Testing and Assessment Basics

These flashcards cover the fundamental definitions, differences, processes, tools, and professional parties involved in psychological testing and assessment as presented in the lecture notes.

How is psychological assessment defined?

The gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purpose of making a psychological evaluation through tools such as tests, interviews, case studies, behavioral observation, and specially designed apparatuses and measurement procedures.

How is psychological testing defined?

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

What is the different objective between testing and assessment?

The objective of testing is usually to obtain a numerical gauge of an ability or attribute, while assessment aims to answer a referral question, solve a problem, or arrive at a decision through evaluation tools.

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

In testing, the tester is not key and can be substituted; in assessment, the assessor is key to selecting tools and drawing conclusions from the entire evaluation.

What is Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)?

An 'in the moment' evaluation of specific problems and related cognitive and behavioral variables at the exact time and place that they occur.

What characterizes 'Dynamic Assessment'?

An interactive approach to psychological assessment that typically follows a model of evaluation, intervention, and then evaluation.

What is a 'cut score' in psychological testing?

A reference point, usually numerical, derived by judgment and used to divide data into two or more classifications (such as pass or fail).

How is a 'portfolio' used as a tool of psychological assessment?

As a file containing the products of one's work, serving as a sample of one's abilities and accomplishments for evaluation purposes.

What is behavioral observation?

Monitoring the actions of people by visual or electronic means while recording quantitative or qualitative information regarding those actions.

Name a pro and a con of Computer-assisted psychological assessment (CAPA).

Pros include minimal scoring errors and standardized administration; cons include being unable to see the 'bigger picture' and less opportunity to observe test-taking behavior.

Who are the four primary parties involved in the assessment enterprise?

Test developer, test user, test taker, and society at large (including organizations, government, and NGOs).

What is the difference between achievement tests and diagnostic tests in educational settings?

Achievement tests measure learning outcomes (e.g., SAT, GRE), while diagnostic tests identify academic deficits to guide interventions (e.g., reading or math support).

In geriatric settings, what is the primary focus of assessments?

Assessments primarily evaluate cognitive, psychological, and adaptive functioning with a focus on the quality of life.

How is 'rapport' defined in the context of conducting assessments?

A working relationship between the examiner and the examinee.

Name three sources of authoritative information on tests.

Test catalogues, test manuals, professional books, reference volumes (e.g., Mental Measurements Yearbook), journal articles, online databases (e.g., PsycINFO), and university directories.