[INTRO] Psychological Testing and Assessment

Testing

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

Assessment

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 other methods.

Collaborative Psychological Assessment

The assessor and assessee work as partners.The assessor and assessee work as partners.

Therapeutic Psychological Assessment

Therapeutic self-discovery is encouraged through the assessment process.

Dynamic Assessment

typically employed in educational settings but also may be used in correctional, corporate, neuropsychological, clinical, and other settings

Image

a device or procedure designed to measure variables related to psychology (e.g. intelligence, attitudes, personality, interests, etc.).

may vary by content, format, administration, scoring, interpretation, and technical quality

Content

The subject matter of the test. _______ depends on the theoretical orientation of test developers and the unique way in which they define the construct of interest.

Format

The form, plan, structure, layout of test items, and other considerations (e.g. time limits).

Administration

Tests may require certain tasks to be performed, trained observation of performance, or little involvement by the test administrators (e.g. self-report questionnaires).

Scoring and Interpretation

__________ of tests may be simple, such as summing responses to items, or may require more elaborate procedures.

Some tests results can be interpreted easily, or interpreted by computer, whereas other tests require expertise for proper interpretation.

Cut Score

A reference point, usually numerical, used to divide data into two or more classifications (e.g. pass or fail).

Technical Quality or Psychometric Soundness

the science of psychological measurement. The __________________ of a test depends on how consistently and accurately the test measures what it purports to measure.

Test users are sometimes referred to as psychometrists or psychometricians.

Interview

a method of gathering information through direct communication involving reciprocal exchange

The Portfolio

A file containing the products of one’s work. May serve as a sample of one’s abilities and accomplishments

Case History Data

Information preserved in records, transcripts, or other forms.

Behavioral Observation

Monitoring the actions of people through visual or electronic means

Role-Play Tests

Assessees are directed to act as if they were in a particular situation. Useful in evaluating various skills.

Computers as Tools

Computers can assist in test administration, scoring, and interpretation.

test developer

tests are created for research studies, publication (as commercially available instruments), or as modifications of existing tests.

Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing

covers issues related to test construction and evaluation, test administration and use, special applications of tests and considerations for linguistic minorities.

test user

Tests are used by a wide range of professionals

The Standards contains guidelines for who should be administering psychological tests but many countries have no ethical or legal guidelines for test use

test-taker

Anyone who is the subject of an assessment or evaluation.

They may differ on a number of variables at the time of testing (e.g. test anxiety, emotional distress, physical discomfort, alertness, etc.)

Society at large

Test developers create tests to meet the needs of an evolving society.

Other parties

Organizations, companies, and governmental agencies sponsor the development of tests.

Educational settings

Students typically undergo school ability tests and achievement tests.

Diagnostic tests may be used to identify areas for educational intervention .

Clinical settings

Includes hospitals, inpatient and outpatient clinics, private-practice consulting rooms, schools, and other institutions.

Assessment tools are used to help screen for or diagnose behavior problems.

Counseling settings

Includes schools, prisons, and governmental or privately owned institutions.

The goal of assessments in this setting is improvements in adjustment, productivity, or related variable.

Geriatric settings

Assessment primarily evaluates cognitive, psychological, adaptive, or other functioning. At issue is quality of life.

Business and military settings

Decisions regarding careers of personnel are made with a variety of achievement, aptitude, interest, motivational, and other tests.

Government and organizational credentialing

Includes governmental licensing, certification, or general credentialing of professionals (e.g. attorneys, physicians, and psychologists)

rapport

It is important to establish ________ during test administration. ________ can be defined as a working relationship between the examiner and the examinee.

Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)

contains a wealth of resources and news about tests, testing, and assessment. There are abstracts of articles, original articles, and links to other useful websites.

contains a wealth of resources and news about tests, testing, and assessment. There are abstracts of articles, original articles, and links to other useful websites.

has a number of databases including PsycINFO, ClinPSYC, PsycARTICLES, and PsycSCAN.