Psychological Testing and Assessment Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to psychological testing and assessment, including historical figures, test types, and methodologies.

Psychological Assessment

The gathering and integration of psychology-related data for making psychological evaluations.

Psychological Testing

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

Alfred Binet

A French psychologist who developed the first intelligence tests to assist in placing children in schools.

Army Alpha

The original test developed during World War I to screen recruits for intellectual and emotional problems.

Army Beta

A non-verbal version of the Army Alpha test designed for recruits who could not read.

Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

A ratio of mental age to chronological age, first used by Lewis Terman.

Standardized Tests

Tests that have been administered to a large, representative group for data comparison.

Nonstandardized Tests

Tests that do not have a standardization sample and are not widely used for comparison.

Psychometrics

The science of psychological measurement.

Validity

The degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure.

Reliability

The consistency of a test's results over time.

Behavior Observation

A method of assessment involving watching the behavior of subjects in specific contexts.

Projective Testing

A type of test where responses to ambiguous stimuli are used to reveal underlying thoughts and feelings.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

A projective test involving storytelling based on pictures to explore the subject's personality.

Dynamic Assessment

An interactive approach to assessment that includes evaluation and intervention.

Collaboration in Assessment

A method where the assessor and assessee work together throughout the assessment process.

Form Boards

Tools used to measure motor control and sensory discrimination, considered precursors to performance IQ testing.

Personality Inventory

A questionnaire designed to assess various aspects of a person's character or disposition.

Interest Inventories

Assessments designed to evaluate a person's interests in relation to career choices.

Vocational Counseling

A process to help individuals match their skills and interests to suitable career paths.

Cut Score

A numerical reference point used to classify data into categories.

Utility of a Test

The practical value of a psychological test for its intended purpose.

Self-Report Tests

Assessments that require individuals to describe their own feelings, beliefs, and behaviors.

Rating Scale

A tool used to evaluate specific attributes of individuals, often completed by observers.

Environmental Assessment

A method of collecting information from a client's various environments to inform assessment.

Behavior Analysis

The systematic observation and measurement of behaviors to understand or predict performance.

Motivational Interviewing

A technique that combines listening skills with cognitive techniques to enhance motivation.

Case History Data

Records or accounts that provide context for an individual's psychological assessment.

Cutoff Score

A score that determines the classification of results, often used in standardized testing.

Achievement Tests

Tests designed to measure a person's knowledge or proficiency in a specific subject area.

Aptitude Tests

Assessments that measure a person's potential to succeed in a particular task or career.

Neuropsychological Assessment

Evaluation of cognitive functioning related to brain activity.

Performance-Based Assessment

Evaluation based on real-world tasks rather than standardized tests.

Behavioral Assessment

An evaluation method focusing on observing the actions of individuals.

List of Attributes

A checklist used in assessments to identify specific traits or characteristics of individuals.

Test Administration

The process of giving a test to examinees in a standardized manner.

Interpretation of Scores

The analysis and understanding of test results to draw conclusions about the individual.