...Introduction to Psychological Testing Andrea K. Clark 06/15/2015 PSY/475 Introduction to Psychological Testing The goal of this paper is the summarization of key suppositions and basic questions related to psychological testing. A definition of the term ‘test’ shall be provided, as well as explanations of the main test types and identification of the chief users and usages of these tests. Additionally, there shall be a discussion of a comparison and contrast of reliability and validity beliefs and how they influence psychological testing. Definition of Test The definition of a test is “a critical examination, observation, or evaluation” that generates information (Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2015). Tests are utilized to identify, characterize or measure an individual’s or group’s knowledge, intellect, skills, capabilities or aptitudes. In the psychological fields, tests are assessment tools that standardize these characterizations, measurements, and identifications. Psychological tests are “a systematic procedure for observing behavior and describing it with the aid of numerical scales or fixed categories” (Hogan, 2007, p. 39). Main Test Types, Chief Usages, and Users According to Hogan (2007), “we classify tests into five major categories: mental ability, achievement, personality, interests, and neuropsychological tests, with several subdivisions within some of the major categories” (p. 41). There are also different test classification methods: standardized, non-standardized...
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...* * * * * * * * Introduction to Psychological Testing * Melanie Callahan * Psychological Tests and Measurements PSY 475 * Deborah Ford * June 6, 2011 Introduction to Psychological Testing According to a survey of 455 psychologists and counselors form Division 17 (Counseling Psychology) of the American Psychological Association, psychological testing is an important part of clinical psychology (Fee, Elkins, & Boyd, 1982). The most recommended tests from this group were the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII) (Fee, Elkins, & Boyd, 1982). Psychological testing provides the clinician with information about the client’s personality structure pertinent for the multifaceted approach to mental health (Fee, Elkins, & Boyd, 1982). In this research paper, test will be defined, major categories of tests will be examined along with their uses and users, and reliability and validity of testing will be compared. * The Definition of Test * The definitions for test given by the Oxford English Dictionary and the glossary of the authoritative Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests are not useful for the purpose of this paper; however, one may take some practical information from these two sources along with the definitions from the textbooks by Anne Anastasi and Lee Cronbach. The Oxford English dictionary does...
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...Introduction to Psychological Testing Aryne F. Levine PSY/475 May 24, 2012 Glenn Leighbody Introduction to Psychological Testing The term test is a difficult term to define. There are several major categories and sub- categories of assessments. The major categories of assessments relate to the type of examination. The sub-categories of assessments relate to the manner in which the assessment is taken. Assessments can be used for a wide variety of purposes in the professional, military, and educational worlds. The validity and reliability of a test affect the overall purpose of the test. Human error and individuality can affect the reliability and validity of psychological assessments. Definition of the Term Test The term test is defined as an analytical assessment, examination, or appraisal that is used to measure the abilities, understanding, intellect, proficiencies, or skills of an individual or group (Merriam-Webster, 2012). There are many major and minor categories of tests. The five major test categories are: The five main categories of psychological tests are: mental ability tests, achievement tests, personality assessments, interest and attitude assessments, and neuropsychological tests. The minor categories of tests are: performance, paper and pencil, power, speed, individual, group, maximum performance, typical performance, norm-referenced, and criterion referenced examinations. Separating examinations...
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...Introduction to Psychological Testing Lisa Bueno University of Phoenix PSY/475 Psychological Testing and Measurements Pamela Stewart, M.S. February 8, 2012 Introduction to Psychological Testing Define “Test” The word test as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary is, “a cup used for smelting gold or silver ore” (Hogan, 2007, p. 38). Imagining what testing meant for Chaucer in the mid 1300s could be associated with an image of pure data, (perhaps gold or silver) captured and additional data was irrelevant. The Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests defines test as, “An evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored using a standardized process” (Hogan, 2007, p. 38). In addition, Anastasi and Cronbach define test as “an objective and standardized measure of a sample behavior” and “there is no fully satisfactory definition” respectively (Hogan, 2007, p. 39). Essentially, Hogan (2007) gathered the test definitions and identified six critical elements: device or procedure, gather information, behavior or cognitive processes, sample, standardized and quantified. “A test is a standardized process or device that yields information about a sample or behavior or cognitive processes in a quantified manner” (Hogan, 2007, p. 41). However concise this definition may seem, in order to further understand psychological testing one must uncover the basics, identify...
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...Introduction to Psychological Testing Consuelo Mumford PSY 475 June 1, 2015 Maureen Clifford Introduction to Psychological Testing Tests are theoretical concepts which provide professionals in psychology with pertinent data related to the human behaviors, thoughts, and personalities. There are five major categories of testing which are important to testing, with the four major uses and users of testing. Testing has a purpose in education, clinical, intelligence, and neuropsychological in psychological measurement. Testing must have reliability and validity for psychological testing, the assessment must be reliable and valid functional. Definition of Test Test is an old French name initially utilized in the English origin, the cup’s purpose is to caste gold or silver ore. Test are used to test mental, physiological, academic, conditions and qualities of humans (Hogan, 2007, p. 38). The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing defines test as, “An evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored using a standardized process” (p. 38). Test with several definitions, meaning information, evaluation, conclusion, inference and reference. (p. 40). Test is obtainable information of behavior or cognition procedures in quantified manner (p. 41). In an assessment evaluation, test are not used in the process, the test helps answers areas of functioning, diagnostic...
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...Introduction to Psychological Testing Megan Szopinski PSY/475 April 13, 2015 Dennis Plunkett Abstract Within this essay there will be information providing the following; the psychological testing definition of the word ‘test', the major categories of psychological test, the uses and users of each, and the difference and similarities of reliability and validity. The information provided will give you a good idea of what test should be used for and who would administer that particular test. There will also be an example of how a test can be reliable but not valid. For an experiment to have an accurate test, the test needs to have reliability and validity. Introduction to Psychological Testing Psychological testing is crucial when it comes to measuring how and why humans behave in certain ways. Choosing the correct test for the right experiment is also important. There are some major assumptions and fundamental questions that relate to psychological testing. The main ones are (a) defining the term test, (b) describing the major categories of test and who uses them or users of them, and (c) reliability and validity and how affect psychological testing. Throughout this paper, we will discuss the assumptions and questions related to psychological testing. Defining the Term ‘Test’ Most of us have taken a test of some sort throughout our lives. Sometimes we may think to ourselves "why do we need to take another test" or "I am horrible at test, but I do know the information"...
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...Daiane Boran Introduction to Psychological Testing PSY475 Dr. Andrea Engles March 21, 2016 Introduction to Psychological Testing Psychological testing consists of many types or categories of tests. Because psychology is a science testing is a large part of this field. Individual behaviors, characteristics, and traits are part of humans a need to measurable these by psychologists is necessary. Psychologists must be able to conduct psychological test and quantify the results. These traits vary from person to person and in such a way that measuring clearly will show the different aspects of the individuals through testing. Psychologists agree that different psychological states and traits are part of human behavior. To quantify these states and traits can be difficult because qualities are not tangible and testing can give assistance in this matter (Hogan, 2007). Test The term test according to Hogan (2007) can be defined in a number of ways. Originally, the term test was used to describe a cup “used for smelting gold or silver ore, perhaps an apropos reference for some high-stakes testing today” (Hogan, 2007, p, 38). In modern times the term is typically defined as any assessments designed to measure peoples’ behaviors, knowledge, abilities, skills, or personalities. Hogan (2007) suggests that regardless of these various definitions of the term test, there are six common elements defining the term test in the behavioral sciences. These six elements include...
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...Psychological Testing Tabitha Taney PSY/475 September 18, 2013 Maggie Boone Psychological Testing There are tests of every type that most people will have to take throughout their lives. There are driving tests, tests to get into college, tests in all varieties of schools and even in the workplace, when being hired or promoted. There are also tests in the world of psychology, including testing in schools and the workplace. Psychological testing will be defined, with a few different varying descriptions from a few sources, since there is not just one definition for this type of test. The major categories of tests will be described and the major uses and users of these tests will be identified. The concepts of reliability and validity will be compared and contrasted, and how they both impact the field of psychological testing will be discussed. Definition of the term “test” “The glossary of the authoritative Standards for Educational and Psychology Tests,” according to our textbook, “says that a test is an evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored...
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...Introduction to Psychological Testing Paper In everyday life as people we all encounter some type of test or have testing something. A test can be define as a procedure to define the performance quality, or reliability of something. Anything can be tested. There are four categories of testing which include psychological testing, mental ability testing, achievement testing, and interested and attitudes. Each one of the test serve are uses for a different purpose which in the end must be based against the concept of reliability and validity. Over time psychology is affected based upon the findings of these test. Psychological testing is one of the most frequently used test in psychology. with psychological testing a certain sample of behavior is measured. These certain samples are usually prescribed prior to the testing. Most common versions of this testing are series of certain items. For example questionnaires would be a form of psychological testing. Employers,schools, and psychologist often use these test to uncover information in reference to functioning and ability.(Psychological Testing). In mental ability testing individuals cognitive functions are tested i.e visualization, memory, thinking process etc. One of the most common forms of this testing would be intelligence test which are used to discover an individuals mental abilities. Achievement testing are used when an individuals level or IQ needs to be tested primarily in a certain area. A general test that...
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...Introduction to Psychological Testing Lady Scott PSY/475 July 10, 2013 Michelle Bailey Introduction to Psychological Testing The definition of testing according to the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer (1997) “a set of standardized questions, problems, or tasks designed to elicit responses for use in measuring the traits, capacities, or achievements of an individual”. There are four major categories of testing, the first being mental ability test. “In the world of psychological testing, the term mental ability includes a wide variety of cognitive functions, such as memory, spatial visualization, and creative thinking” (Hogan, 2007). These tests are independently given to an individual to test their intelligence independently. These tests can also be given in a group setting, when done so it is to measure mental capacity overall in every day school topics. Test that are given to future college students fit under this category as well, being that is also test intelligence or possible level of attainment in school. The next category in testing is achievement test. “These tests attempt to assess a person’s level of knowledge or skill in a particular domain” (Hogan, 2007). Achievement testing is the most commonly used test, especially in grade school. Teachers use these in order to see if their students are learning the material being taught and to get a clear understanding of the student’s level of understanding of basic studies in several subjects...
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...Running Header: Introduction to Psychological Testing Paper Introduction to Psychological Testing Paper Thomas Hagenbuch University of Phoenix PSY/475 When looking at the field of testing there are many assumptions and questions that are looked at. Psychologists, no matter what tests they are looking at have to realize what assumptions they are making about the material or the test taker. If either one of these assumptions aren’t looked at or studied, then it is possible that the psychologists might make a mistake that could ruin their research. Through this course it will be explained the different assumption and questions that psychologists look at during their research. Psychological Tests “Psychological tests are written, visual, or verbal evaluations administered to assess the cognitive and emotional functioning of children and adults. Psychological tests are used to assess a variety of mental abilities and attributes, including achievement and ability, personality, and neurological functioning” (Psychological Tests, 2012). Some examples of psychological tests include; mental ability, achievement, personality, interests and attitudes, and neurological. Some of the context that these tests include; clinical, educational, research, and personal. Within these tests it is crucial that the information provided to individuals is true and accurate (or valid and reliable). Achievement Tests According to The Free Dictionary (2012), for...
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...University of Phoenix Material Issues in Psychological Testing Worksheet Using the text for this course, the University Library, the Internet, and/or other resources answer the following questions. Your response to each question should be at least 200 words in length. 1. What are at least two ethical issues associated with psychological testing? What impact do these issues have on the field of psychological testing? Psychological testing is used to measure or observe a client’s behaviors, thoughts, personality, and feelings. There is a numerous amount of reasons and ways tests can be conducted such as educational or clinical purposes. Since the beginning of psychological testing many ethical and legal issues have been risen (Hogan, 2007). One ethical issue associated with psychological testing is confidentiality. Results of tests need to be kept in a private manner and there can be a couple of instances where the results of a tests end up being revealed to other parties before the client knows the results or the client could never be informed. Minors can be a part of this confidentiality issue. APA has specific guidelines that are supposed to be followed but these guidelines can clash with the ethical and legal issues when dealing with minors or special needs individuals. Another ethical issue that can be associated with psychological testing is consent (Hogan, 2007) Consent must be obtained by the proper party before psychological tests can be conducted. Again, issues...
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...Psychological Testing Paper University of Phoenix PSY/475: Psychological Test and Measurements MU10BSP10 Psychological Testing Paper Introduction There comes a time when we all come across a specific test such as school tests, driving test, or even as simple as food tasting test. However, there is a difference between regular tests and testing’s when referring to psychological testing. There are several different psychological tests that many psychiatrists, psychologists, and school counselors use to determine certain abilities, however each of the tests are used for a specific purpose. It is vital for the individuals to contain high knowledge of the tests before applying it to others. Defining “Test” According to the medical dictionary, psychological tests are defined as written, visual and verbal evaluations administered to assess the cognitive and emotional functions of children and adults (Psychological Tests, 2012). The purpose for psychological testing is to determine the mental abilities, personality traits, achievements and abilities, and neurological functioning. Although, we all have a basic idea of what the definition of “test” is, however according to (Hogan, 2007), they developed six-element to define “test”: A test is a standardized process or device that yields information about a sample of behavior or cognitive processes in a quantified manner (Hogan, 2007). Major Categories of Tests There are five major categories of tests that are applied...
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...University of Phoenix Material Issues in Psychological Testing Worksheet Using the text for this course, the University Library, the Internet, and/or other resources answer the following questions. Your response to each question should be at least 200 words in length. 1. What are at least two ethical issues associated with psychological testing? What impact do these issues have on the field of psychological testing? One issue, concerning ethics in psychological testing, is obtaining informed consent. This means that prior to the test the subject must be advised of the purpose of the test, procedures that will be used, duration of the test, and the subject must ascertain that he or she fully understands all aspects of participating in the test (American Psychological Association, 2010). A parent or legal guardian must give consent on behalf of any underage participant, or handicapped individuals. Informed consent is meant to protect both the researcher and the participants; it is an ongoing agreement in which the participant may withdraw from at any time during the testing (Hogan, 2007). Confidentiality can be another major ethical issue surrounding psychological testing. Psychologists are governed by ethical codes to withhold information concerning a participant’s test results outside of the appropriate context (Hogan, 2007). Psychologists are also to maintain and protect records, as to prevent records from being shared with inappropriate parties. Confidentiality...
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...Psychological Testing in the Workplace Introduction Companies use psychological testing in delivering an enormous amount of information for future employee candidates as well as present employees within the company. There are different types of psychological testing that employers use to determine who is well fitted as a new hire as those same tests will be administered to retain current employees. The three that will be addressed in this paper will be characteristics, knowledge and skills, and personality testing. The level of degree deemed to be useful depends of the validity and reliability of these psychological tests. Each company would face the legal and ethical issues that may be implicated administering these types of tests. 3 Types of Psychological Testing Many types of tests are available and can assess hundreds of individual characteristics. The course of nature for the characteristic of interest aids in determining which test should be administered. Characteristics of test have four subcategories are as follows: group versus individually administered tests, close-ended versus open-ended, paper and pencil versus performance, and power versus speed tests (Spector, 2012). A group test can be administered to several people at once. An individual test is one that is given to one single examinee. Closed-ended tests the examinee must choose one from several answer choices. An open-ended exam the examinee comes up with a response as a whole rather than choosing...
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