Testing & Individual Differences: Reliability, Validity, and Types of Psychological Tests

What are the three core requirements for a good test?

Standardization, reliability, and validity.

What does standardization establish for a test?

Established norms based on a large initial population and consistent scoring/administration for all test-takers.

What is the test-retest method used to measure?

Reliability, by ensuring the same data is produced when the test is taken at different times.

What is the split-half method of reliability?

Comparing results from one half of a test against the other half to ensure consistency.

What is face validity?

The extent to which a test appears to measure what it claims to measure (e.g., a test on intelligence should be primarily about intelligence).

What is content validity?

Ensuring the test covers the specific subject matter it is intended to test, such as an AP Psychology exam containing only psychology questions.

What is predictive validity?

The degree to which a test score predicts future behavior or performance, such as SAT scores predicting college success.

What is construct validity?

The extent to which a test measures the specific theoretical construct it claims to measure, such as a test for schizophrenia actually identifying degrees of schizophrenia.

What characterizes a speed test?

A large number of easy questions with a strict time limit, where the score is based on how fast the taker performs.

What characterizes a power test?

Questions of varying difficulty where the score is based on knowledge and guessing skills rather than speed.

What is the primary difference between an aptitude test and an achievement test?

Aptitude tests measure future performance potential (e.g., SAT), while achievement tests measure mastery of current content (e.g., AP tests).

What is the purpose of a self-report test?

To have the test-taker describe their own feelings, attitudes, beliefs, or values (e.g., surveys, MMPI-2).

What is the main advantage of individual tests over group tests?

They allow for interaction with a trained professional, making them better suited for special needs individuals or those who cannot sit for group tests.

What do the acronyms WPPSI, WISC, and WAIS represent?

Wechsler Intelligence Tests for preschool, children, and adults respectively.

What is the definition of mild intellectual disability in terms of standard deviation?

Performance 2 standard deviations below the mean.

What are the characteristics of a person with a moderate intellectual disability?

Requires supervision, can perform simple work tasks, can care for self with support, and benefits from vocational training.

What is the primary characteristic of a profound intellectual disability?

Complete dependence on others for all aspects of daily life, including communication, mobility, and self-care.

What is an observational test?

A test where the task is not well-defined, commonly used in employment interviews or job evaluations.

What do personality tests measure?

Consistency in behavior across different situations (e.g., Myers-Briggs, MMPI-2).

What do interest tests measure?

An individual's interests regarding career plans and areas of study (e.g., Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory).

What is the purpose of the criterion validity of a test?

To ensure test results correlate with the results of other similar, established tests.