Test
standardized procedure for sampling behavior and describing it with categories or scores
Test often use ______
Norms
Psychometrician
a specialist in psychology or education who gives and/or evaluates psychological tests. Can also develop tests
Situation: A shy, withdrawn 70year old girl is having trouble in school: few friends; not paying attention. Her grades are extremely variable, mostly As, but some Cs. What does the IQ test say? Why?
Superior IQ, low grades due to boredom
Reliability
refers to the consistency or dependability of test performance across occasions, scorers, and specific content
Validity
an indication of the extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure
Norms
numerical summaries of how people in a standardization program have scored on a test
Standardized Test Procedures
test should be given under standardized conditions (outlined in the manual; instructions, test time/response time, time presentation, etc.)
Situation: During a WISC, examiner substitutes the word 'couch' for 'sofa' since the child does not understand. Ok or not Ok?
NOT, examining sophistication of words
Situation: During a WISC, examiner emphasizes 'and' to help the child understand they need to add the four and five dollars - "How much is four dollars and five dollars". Ok or not OK?
Ok, testing arithmetic ability, not language understanding
Why does an examiner knowingly depart from standard procedures?
unavailability of test norms for a particular population
Responsibility of Test Publishers
publishers will release tests of high quality, market their product in a responsible manner, and restrict distribution of tests only to persons with proper qualifications
Why is it important for there to be guidelines for administration of certain psychological tests? (x3)
The potential to cause harm.
Tests can be given and interpreted incorrectly. It is a professional skill (that takes years of training and practice).
Tests are no longer valid if potential examinees have previewed them (and all outside of the field are con
3 APA Levels of Testing (w/ requirements)
Level A - With the aid of a manual these tests can be used by responsible non-psychologists such as business executives or educational administrators.
Level B - Available to persons who have completed an advanced-level course in testing from an accredited
Level A
With the aid of a manual these tests can be used by responsible non-psychologists such as business executives or educational administrators.
Level B
Available to persons who have completed an advanced-level course in testing from an accredited college or university, or equivalent training under the supervision of a psychologist.
Level C
Available only to persons with a minimum of a master's degree in psychology or an allied field.
Situation: A consulting psychologist agrees to perform pre-employent screening for psychopathology in police officer candidates. They explain that specific feedback about the test will not be give -- Ethical to deny feedback or no?
Ethical, not hired so not required (2 caveats)
Situation: An older counselor continues to use MMP1 because they are familiar with it and there are bodies of research for it despite #2 coming out -- Ethical or No?
No
Situation: 20yo confides that her 25yo brother who died 3 months ago was a pedophile and presents evidence. Is the psychologist obligated to report to law enforcement?
Yes
Psychologists have a "duty to ______
warn, Clinicians must communicate any serious threat to the potential victim, law enforcement agencies, or both