Introduction, History & Assumptions

• Testing refers to one aspect of assessment; aims to measure psychology-related variables.
• Assessment refers to various methods such as tests, interviews, case studies, behavioral observation, and such to create a psychological profile or evaluation.
• Tests and testing first started in China in 2200 BCE, where these methods were used to determine qualifications for government jobs and positions, and other privileges.
• Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon created the Binet-Simon test, a 30-item test for measuring children's intelligence.
• David Wechsler created the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) in 1939 to measure adults' intelligence.
• Robert Woodworth created a self-reporting test called the Woodworth Psychoneurotic Inventory (WPI).
• Eugenicist and cousin of Charles Darwin, Francis Galton attempted to measure human intelligence through controversial means.
• Also known as the father of Psychology, Wilhelm Wundt conducted the first psychological experiment.
• Henry Goddard initiated the controversial testing of immigrant populations entering the United States of America.
• James Mckeen Cattell coined the word "mental test" in the 1890's, and consequently introduced mental testing in America.
• Psychological Testing - Assumption #1: Traits and States exist
• Psychological Testing - Assumption #2: Traits and States can be quantified
• Psychological Testing - Assumption #3: Test-related Behavior predicts Non-test-related Behavior
• Psychological Testing - Assumption #4: Tests and other Measurements have Strengths and Weaknesses
• Psychological Testing - Assumption #5: Various sources of Error are part of the Assessment Process
• Psychological Testing - Assumption #6: Testing and Assessment can be conducted in Fair and Unbiased manner
• Psychological Testing - Assumption #7: Testing and Assessment benefit society
• Traits are distinguishable characteristics that are stable and relatively enduring.
• States are a temporary way of being and are relatively less enduring than traits.
• A construct is a informed scientific concept wherein its existence can be informed through overt behavior.
• Overt Behavior refers to observable actions or its product.
• Measurement refers to assigning numbers or symbols to characteristics.
• A scale is a system of ordered numerical or verbal indicators.
• TYPES OF TESTS

  • Ability Tests
  • Performance Tests
• VARIETIES OF ASSESSMENT

  • Educational
  • Retrospective
  • Remote
  • Ecological Momentary Assessment
• FORMS OF ASSESSMENT

  • Collaborative
  • Therapeutic
  • Dynamic
• TOOLS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

  • Test
  • Interview
  • Portfolio
  • Case History Data
  • Behavior Observation
  • Roleplay Tests
  • Computers as Tools
• PARTIES IN ASSESSMENT

  • Test Developer
  • Test User
  • Test Taker
• RIGHTS OF TEST TAKERS

  • Right of Informed Consent
  • Right to be informed of Results
  • Right to Privacy and Confidentiality
  • Right to Least Stigmatizing Label
• CURRENT USES OF ASSESSMENT

  • Decision Making
  • Psychological Research
  • Understanding the self
• TYPES OF SCALES

  • Continuous
  • Discrete
  • Nominal
  • Ordinal
• Aptitude tests measure potential for learning or acquiring a specific skill.
• Intelligence tests aims to measure a person's ability to solve problems, think abstractly, and adapt.
• Achievement tests gauges previous learning.
• TYPES OF ABILITY TESTS

  • Achievement Test
  • Aptitude Test
  • Intelligence Test
• TYPES OF PERFORMANCE TESTS

  • Personality Test
  • Attitude Test
  • Interest Inventory
• PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT PROCESS

  1. Referral Question
  2. Goals & Objectives
  3. Applicable Tools
  4. Findings & Conclusions
  5. Referral or Intervention
• LEVELS OF COMPETENCE IN TESTING & ASSESSMENT

  • Level A - interpreted via manual, adequately administered & scored
  • Level B - master's level in psychology or counselling required
  • Level C - specialized knowledge on construct & instrument, PhD often required
• Attitude tests elicit personal beliefs and opinions of the test taker.
• Personality tests measure individual dispositions or preferences, and are designed to identify characteristics.