Psychological - W1 - Chapter 1 - Psychological Testing and Assessment Part 3

creates tests & other forms of assessment

APA estimates 20,000 new tests each year

STANDARDS of ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR specifically address responsible test development & use (American Ed Res Ass - American Psych Ass - Nat Council of Measurement NCME) - referred to as "the standards" Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing - covers test construction & evaluation, administration & use plus other special considerations

detailed description of a test

available from test publisher

ideally provides key information needed by test users to make an informed decision about whether the test is appropriate for use with a particular testtaker for a particular purpose

p.34

anyone who is the subject of an assessment or evaluation

testtakers vary with respect to many variables (anxiety, understanding, willingness, pain, emotional distress, alertness, predispositions to agree/disagree, coaching, portrayal of self in good/bad light - also known as assessee

p.19

wide range of professionals inc clinicians, counsellors, school psychologists, human resources personnell, consumer psychologists, experimental psychologists & social psychologists

'the standards' & other published guidelines identify who is a qualified test user & who should have access to which tests

collaborative approach

insights about self encouraged & actively encouraged by assessor

p4 - I27 - also refer to p.5 Meet Dr Stephen Finn

may be supervisor, friend or relative of assessee, translator, attorney, or anyone. Robert J McCaffrey (2007) said "No, third parties should not be allowed to be present during an assessment" - SOCIAL INFLUENCE by mere presence - may affect performance - referred to as SOCIAL FACILITATION and INHIBITION p.20 (CLOSE-UP)

the usefulness or practical value a test or other assessment tool has for a particular purpose p.9

In addition to psychologists, professionals like educators, counselors, and medical doctors should have access to psychological tests when appropriately trained. This ensures tests are used ethically and interpreted accurately.

Tools like standardized reading tests, curriculum-based measurements, and diagnostic reading inventories can assess a student’s reading ability. These tools help identify reading level, fluency, and comprehension skills.

When assessing prisoners, psychologists must consider legal, safety, and risk factors, unlike in workplace assessments where performance and leadership are emphasized. Context greatly affects ethical considerations and interpretation.

A psychological autopsy on someone like Anthony Bourdain could provide insight into mental health struggles despite outward success. It might reveal undiagnosed depression or stressors contributing to suicide risk.

Internet test users should be cautious of test validity, authorship, and data privacy. Not all online tests are scientifically sound or secure.

Naturalistic observation allows real-world behavior study without interference, offering high ecological validity. However, it lacks control over variables and may introduce observer bias.

Case history data provides rich, in-depth information over time but may be subjective or incomplete. It’s valuable for context but not always generalizable.

A personal portfolio could include transcripts, certificates, creative projects, volunteer work, and reflective essays. These showcase achievements, interests, and personal values.

Talk show hosts need active listening, empathy, and improvisation skills; psychological interviewers also require objectivity and clinical insight. The purpose and depth of each role differ.

A test with higher cultural relevance or adaptability may be more useful in a diverse school setting. Utility depends on how well a test fits student needs and goals.

Text-based interviews might be ideal for tech-savvy youth or those with social anxiety. However, nonverbal cues and emotional nuance may be lost.

“Goth” might be defined as a preference for dark aesthetics, introspection, and nonconformity. Test items could include lifestyle choices, music preferences, and mood indicators.

Good leaders are empathetic, decisive, and communicative. These traits can be measured through 360-degree feedback, leadership inventories, and behavioral assessments.

Testing is more appropriate for measuring specific skills like math proficiency. Assessment is better for evaluating complex traits like emotional development or learning disabilities.