Ch. 1 - Intro Flashcards
assessment center approach
using an innovative variety of evaluative tools along with data from the evaluations of highly trained assessors (for personnel evaluation)
psychological assessment
the gathering and integration of psychology-related data for the purpose of making a psychological evaluation that is accomplished through the use of tols such as tests, case studies, interviews, behavioral observation.
psychological testing
process of measuring psychology-related variables by means of devices or procedures designed to obtain a sample of behavior.
how does assessment typically begin?
with a referral with one or more referral question. it uses more than one source of data. focuses more on how an individual processes rather than a numerical outcome. assessor uses knowledge to select tools and evaluate the outcome
collaborative assessment
assessor and client work together
dynamic assessment
interactive, varying, and changing. often has intervention between pre- and post-test. you find how the individual has changed/benefitted from some intervention
therapeutic assessment (who?)
Stephen Finn - rather than viewing tests as a way to compare people to a standardized group, use test as an opportunity to have a dialogue with clients about patterns in responding. a way to increase empathy. assessor may stop testing to share observations. may test in “unusual” ways
psychometrics
the science of psychological measurement
alternate assessment
an evaluative procedure or process that differs from the standardized or “usual” way measurement is derived. not necessarily equivalent. done to accomodate for testtakers with disabilities
test user
the person administering the test
informal assessment - concerns and benefits
concerns: reliability, validity, cross-cultural issues
benefits: add more info to the overall assessment, gathers specific info, quick, non-intrustive and non-threatening, free, easy to administer and interpret
observation - types and who does it
naturalistic (viewing the behavior in the setting in which it typically would be expected to occur). controlled (office or lab). Done by professionals, client, significant others (e.g. spouse)
most assessments will have ___ as part of the process? What are the test users interested in?
clinical interview. interviewer is interested in non-verbal AND answers to questions. may be focused or broad
CAPA vs CAT
Computer-Assisted Psychological Assessment vs. Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT tailors a test, CAPA just uses a comp)
what do classification systems do?
provide information about whether or not an individual has or doesn’t have certain attributes or characteristics
Behavior and Feeling Word Checklist
person IDs words best describing their feelings or behaviors. a classifcation system.
Sociometric Instruments
maps relative position of individual within a group. Often used to determine the dynamics of individuals within a group. a classification system
Situational Tests
reall-to-life situations to examine how an individual is likely to respond in a contrived but natural situation (e.g. role-playing a counselor before admitted to a program)
achievement test
evaluates accomplishment or the degree of learning that has taken place
protocol
the form, sheet, or booklet on which a testtaker’s responses are entered (can also be used to describe the procedures of a test)
rating scale
used to assess a quantity of an attribute. are subjective. the assessment is based on the rater’s “inner judgment”
Halo effect
a type of error often associated with rating scales. rating people based on overall impression (rate your great intern highly on everything even though she’s horrible at being on time)
Generosity error
a type of error often associated with rating scales. Only using the “good” side of the scale
what is the purpose of records and personal documents in assessment?
can help an examiner understand the beliefs, values, and behaviors of a person being assessed. often obtained from client, parents, or institutions
when making important decisions about a person, what shouldn’t you use?
informal assessment. can still be used as an important addition to a broader assessment battery!
