Psychological Testing
Definition of Terms
Measurement: the process of assigning numbers
Evaluation: the process of determining worth of something based
on numbers
Assessment: the process of gathering information
Testing: quantifying behavior by using a test (items, questions
that make up a test)
Test: a tool used to quantify behavior (e.g. personality, spelling,
ability, and interest test)
Psychological Assessment
A psychological assessment is gathering information to evaluate a
person’s behavior, character, strengths, and needs for the purpose
of diagnosing, setting goals, and recommending treatment,
A general approach that utilizes various sources of data (portfolio,
interviews, observations, etc in addition to a test) to make
decisions
Combines both qualitative (subjective )and quantitative
(objective) approach
Individualized and comprehensive
Tools of psychological
assessment
Test
Portfolio
Case history data
Observation
Role play
Technology (EEG, etc)
Interviews
Psychological test
A psychological test is used to measure an individual’s different
abilities, such as their aptitude in a particular field, cognitive
functions like memory and spatial recognition, or even traits like
introvertedness.
These tests are based on scientifically tested psychological
theories.
It contains a set of items designed to measure characteristics of
human behavior
Overt behavior: observable action
Covert behavior: takes place inside a person (cannot be directly
measured)
Psychological Test
A psychological test is a standardized measure of a sample of a
person’s behavior that is used to measure the individual
differences that exist among people.
A psychological test is an objective and standardized measure of
an individual's mental and/or behavioral characteristics.
The main purpose of psychological testing is to gain a better
understanding of a person and her/his behavior.
Cont..
A psychological test is a systematic procedure for observing a
person’s behavior or performance, describing it with the aid of a
numerical scale or category system.
Mostly tests are used as a way of measuring differences between
people or differences in the same person over time.
Psychological testing
Psychological testing is a field characterized by the use of
samples of behavior, most often administered as a series of items
in which the individual must give a response, in order to assess
psychological construct(s), such as ability, cognitive and
emotional functioning, or personality.
Psychological testing is not one single test, but a series of
scientifically developed tests and procedures that assess various
aspects of a person’s psychological functioning
Psychological tests are used to assess many areas, including:
Traits such as introversion and extroversion
Certain conditions such as depression and anxiety
Intelligence, aptitude and achievement such as verbal intelligence
and reading achievement
Attitudes and feelings such as how individuals feel about the
treatment that they received from their therapists
Interests such as the careers and activities that a person is
interested in
Specific abilities, knowledge or skills such as cognitive ability,
memory and problem-solving skills
Goals of psychological testing
• The goals of psychological assessment are to
• better understand a person’s strengths and weaknesses
• identify potential problems with cognitions, emotional reactivity
• make recommendations for treatment/remediation
• All types of psychological evaluations measure an individual’s
functioning at a specific point in time and provide a
“snapshot” of a person.
Almost all psychological testing is administered by a licensed
psychologist (or trainee) and is a formal process that requires
extensive training and expertise. Psychologists are the only
professionals that are expertly trained in administering and
interpreting psychological tests.
Function of Psychological
Testing
Decision making: psychological tests can be used determining
promotion etc
Placement: place students and workers to different categories
(based on tests scores)
Administrative function
Diagnosis: identifying psychological problems, learning
difficulties, etc.
Research: using psychological tests for research purpose
Self-understanding and personal development
Participants in the Testing Process
Developers
Publishers
Reviewers
Users
Examiners
Takers
Scorers
Interpreters
Psychological Assessment and
Testing
Tests and assessments are two separate but related components of
a psychological evaluation. Psychologists use both types of tools
to help them arrive at a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Testing involves the use of formal tests such as questionnaires or
checklists. These are often described as “norm-referenced” tests.
That simply means the tests have been standardized so that test-
takers are evaluated in a similar way, no matter where they live or
who administers the test.
Cont..
A psychological assessment can include numerous components
such as norm-referenced psychological tests, informal tests and
surveys, interview information, school or medical records,
medical evaluation and observational data.
A psychologist determines what information to use based on the
specific questions being asked.
For example, assessments can be used to determine if a person has a
learning disorder, is competent to stand trial or has a traumatic brain
injury. They can also be used to determine if a person would be a
good manager or how well they may work with a team.
One common assessment technique is a clinical interview.
Psychological Assessment versus Psychological
Testing
Degree of complexity
Duration
Data sources
Focus
Qualifications for use
Procedural basis
Cost
Purpose
Degree of structure
Evaluation of results
THANKYOU!
