Assessment of Psychopathology

Question 1

Define reliability

Answer 1

extent to which an assessment measure produces the same result each time

Question 2

Define validity

Answer 2

extent to which a measuring instrument actually measures what it is supposed to measure

Question 3

Define standardisation

Answer 3

process by which a psychological test is administered, scored, and interpreted in a consistent manner

Question 4

Explain purposes of assessment

Answer 4

describe the problem (context, duration, triggers), present treatment options in relation to client

Question 5

Describe different types of psychological assessments and the pros and cons of each assessment methods

Answer 5

clinical interviews, observations of behaviour, neuropsychological tests

Question 6

Explain how culture, theoretical orientation of clinician, and trust and rapport could influence assessment

Answer 6

• culture -> cultural competence
• clinicians go about the assessment process depending on their basic treatment orientations
• clients should understand the underlying rationale for assessment and receive assurances of confidentiality

Question 7

Describe the different classification methods and the pros and cons of each classification methods

Answer 7

• categorical: seeks to classify behaviour into distinct categories
• dimensional: assumes that a person’s typical behaviour is the product of differing strengths or intensities of definable dimensions