Psych assessment

• Testing is the process of measuring psychology-related variables by means of devices or procedures designed to obtain a sample of behavior
• Assessment is 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
• The objective of testing is typically to obtain some gauge, usually numerical in nature, with regard to an ability or attribute
• The objective of assessment is typically to answer a referral question, solve a problem, or arrive at a decision through the tools of evaluation
• Collaborative psychological assessment involves the assessor and assessee working as partners
• Therapeutic psychological assessment encourages therapeutic self-discovery through the assessment process
• Dynamic assessment is typically employed in educational settings but may also be used in correctional, corporate, neuropsychological, clinical, and other settings
• A psychological test is a device or procedure designed to measure variables related to psychology (e.g. intelligence, attitudes, personality, interests, etc.)
• Psychological tests vary by content, format, administration, scoring, interpretation, and technical quality
• Content of a psychological test refers to the subject matter of the test, which depends on the theoretical orientation of test developers and how they define the construct of interest
• Format of a psychological test refers to the form, plan, structure, layout of test items, and other considerations such as time limits
• Administration of 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 of tests may be simple, such as summing responses to items, or may require more elaborate procedures
• Some test results can be interpreted easily or by computer, while others require expertise for proper interpretation
• A cut score is a reference point, usually numerical, used to divide data into two or more classifications (e.g. pass or fail)
• Technical quality or psychometric soundness of a test depends on how consistently and accurately the test measures what it purports to measure
• An interview is a method of gathering information through direct communication involving reciprocal exchange
• Interviews vary as to their purpose, length, and nature
• The quality of information obtained in an interview often depends on the skills of the interviewer, such as pacing, rapport, and conveying genuineness, empathy, and humor
• The portfolio is a file containing the products of one's work and may serve as a sample of one's abilities and accomplishments
• Other tools of psychological assessment include case history data and behavioral observation
• Role-play tests direct assessees to act as if they were in a particular situation and are useful in evaluating various skills
• Computers can assist in test administration, scoring, and interpretation
• Computer-assisted psychological assessment (CAPA) and computer adaptive testing (CAT) allow for tailor-made tests with built-in scoring and interpretive capabilities
• Assessment is increasingly conducted via the internet, providing greater access to potential test-users, quicker scoring and interpretation, lower costs, and facilitating testing for isolated populations and people with disabilities
• Educational settings typically use school ability tests, achievement tests, and diagnostic tests to identify areas for educational intervention
• Clinical settings include hospitals, clinics, private-practice consulting rooms, schools, and other institutions where assessment tools are used to help screen for or diagnose behavior problems
• Counseling settings in schools, prisons, and governmental or privately owned institutions aim for improvements in adjustment, productivity, or related variables through assessments
• Geriatric settings primarily evaluate cognitive, psychological, adaptive, or other functioning to assess quality of life
• Business and military settings use a variety of achievement, aptitude, interest, motivational, and other tests to make decisions regarding personnel careers
• Government and organizational credentialing includes governmental licensing, certification, or general credentialing of professionals such as attorneys, physicians, and psychologists
• There are many different methods used to conduct assessments, and ethical testers have responsibilities before, during, and after testing, including familiarity with test materials and procedures, ensuring suitable testing environments, and establishing rapport with examinees
• The law mandates "alternate assessment" for people with disabilities, which involves making accommodations to make assessments more suitable for individuals with exceptional needs
• To find information on tests, one can refer to test catalogues, test manuals, reference volumes, journal articles, online databases, and other sources for detailed information on test development, technical information, and reviews of tests
• Online databases like the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) and those provided by the American Psychological Association (APA) offer a wealth of resources and news about tests, testing, and assessment, including abstracts of articles, original articles, and links to other useful websites