Psychological Testing and Assessment Exam
1
Differentiate between psychological testing and assessment -
✅Psychological testing- tests that measure psychological constructs IQ while Psychological
assessment- gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purposes of making a
psychological evaluation in reference to a referral question (why are clients there ex: why is it causing
these problems in my marriage)
Explain the 3 dimensions of test utility
If given a scenario in which tests are used, be able to categorize the situation on each of the
dimensions and defend your answer. -
✅1. Applied vs. Theoretical
Real-world utility Validate theory
Test hypotheses
2. Describe vs. Predict
Compare to Apply psy research to anticipate further behavior (ACT)
relevant others -a norm group(personality tests)
3. Max. Performance vs. Typical Performance
What is possible What is typical
Describe where testing takes place -
✅Clinical, educational, counseling, and industry and employment settings
List and provide examples of several ways of categorizing tests -
✅Construct measured (aspects of personality) Format (interviews, paper, computer based)
Reference for interpretation Administration (ACT, GRE, SAT)
Norm-referenced- compared to the relevant standardization sample (norm for test results)
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,Criterion-referenced- degree of mastery of a construct domain (predetermined standard, max and
minimum achievement on a test ex: exams answer to the degree to which you get it right or wrong
not comparing it to other people)
List and provide examples for the influences on test results (examiner, examinee, etc.) -
✅Examiner factors (important when working with people)
-test knowledge, practice
-prejudice, bias
-rapport (building trust a connection warmth with client/participant prevents them from not
disclosing information)
Examinee factors
-anxiety (vulnerable situation)
-motivation
-experience with authority (some dont have a positive experience)
-experience with tests
Explain the purpose and importance of standardized testing procedures -
✅Standardized administration (the routine of giving the test following directions)
-Follow procedures
-Conditions under which norms are established (SD above or below)
-exceptions (limits testing) testing the limits
achievement testing -
✅evaluates the information or skills a student has already learned.
aptitude test -
✅a test designed to predict a person's future performance
Behavior sampling -
✅Limitations
Measurement error Variables impacting the accuracy of test results
Reducing error •Valid, reliable tests
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, •Standardizing tests
•Representative norm groups
There is always going to be an error
Measurement error -
✅is the difference between a measured quantity and its true value.
Applied test utility -
✅Real-world utility
Theoretical test utility -
✅Validate theory Test hypotheses
Maximum performance -
✅how one performs when exerting as much effort as possible.
Norm group -
✅sample of test takers who are representative of the population for whom the test is intended
Quantifiable behavior -
✅describe and predict relations between a dependent variable and all possible levels of an
independent variable.
Typical performance -
✅how an individual performs on a regular basis
Standardization -
✅uniform administration regardless of setting, examiner or client ACT SAT
Testing the limits -
✅This involves determining the highest level at which a child can respond
3|Page
1
Differentiate between psychological testing and assessment -
✅Psychological testing- tests that measure psychological constructs IQ while Psychological
assessment- gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purposes of making a
psychological evaluation in reference to a referral question (why are clients there ex: why is it causing
these problems in my marriage)
Explain the 3 dimensions of test utility
If given a scenario in which tests are used, be able to categorize the situation on each of the
dimensions and defend your answer. -
✅1. Applied vs. Theoretical
Real-world utility Validate theory
Test hypotheses
2. Describe vs. Predict
Compare to Apply psy research to anticipate further behavior (ACT)
relevant others -a norm group(personality tests)
3. Max. Performance vs. Typical Performance
What is possible What is typical
Describe where testing takes place -
✅Clinical, educational, counseling, and industry and employment settings
List and provide examples of several ways of categorizing tests -
✅Construct measured (aspects of personality) Format (interviews, paper, computer based)
Reference for interpretation Administration (ACT, GRE, SAT)
Norm-referenced- compared to the relevant standardization sample (norm for test results)
1|Page
,Criterion-referenced- degree of mastery of a construct domain (predetermined standard, max and
minimum achievement on a test ex: exams answer to the degree to which you get it right or wrong
not comparing it to other people)
List and provide examples for the influences on test results (examiner, examinee, etc.) -
✅Examiner factors (important when working with people)
-test knowledge, practice
-prejudice, bias
-rapport (building trust a connection warmth with client/participant prevents them from not
disclosing information)
Examinee factors
-anxiety (vulnerable situation)
-motivation
-experience with authority (some dont have a positive experience)
-experience with tests
Explain the purpose and importance of standardized testing procedures -
✅Standardized administration (the routine of giving the test following directions)
-Follow procedures
-Conditions under which norms are established (SD above or below)
-exceptions (limits testing) testing the limits
achievement testing -
✅evaluates the information or skills a student has already learned.
aptitude test -
✅a test designed to predict a person's future performance
Behavior sampling -
✅Limitations
Measurement error Variables impacting the accuracy of test results
Reducing error •Valid, reliable tests
2|Page
, •Standardizing tests
•Representative norm groups
There is always going to be an error
Measurement error -
✅is the difference between a measured quantity and its true value.
Applied test utility -
✅Real-world utility
Theoretical test utility -
✅Validate theory Test hypotheses
Maximum performance -
✅how one performs when exerting as much effort as possible.
Norm group -
✅sample of test takers who are representative of the population for whom the test is intended
Quantifiable behavior -
✅describe and predict relations between a dependent variable and all possible levels of an
independent variable.
Typical performance -
✅how an individual performs on a regular basis
Standardization -
✅uniform administration regardless of setting, examiner or client ACT SAT
Testing the limits -
✅This involves determining the highest level at which a child can respond
3|Page