chapter 1 Foundation Zone

Question 1

Terms used to refer to tools we use to measure behaviour:

Answer 1

Tests , measures ,assessment measures , instruments , scales ,procedures , and techniques

Question 2

Psychometrics refers to what?

Answer 2

The systematic and scientific way in which psychological measures are developed and the technical measurement standards ( e.g. validity and reliability) required of such measures.

Question 3

Psychological assessment is a processorientated activity aimed :

Answer 3

At gathering a widearray of information by using psychologicalassessment measures (tests) and informationfrom other sources ( e.g. interviews)

Question 4

Psychological testing involves what?

Answer 4

The measurements of behaviour.

Question 5

Competency-based assessments focus on what?

Answer 5

Assisting the skills, behaviours, values etc. required for effective performance in the workplace

Question 6

The assessment process is multidimensional and entails what?

Answer 6

1. The gathering and synthesising of information2. Using a variety of sources and information gathering techniques (assessment battery)3. Used as a means of describing and understanding functioning

Question 7

Multiple stakeholders are present and Consists of what/who?

Answer 7

1. The person doing the assessment2. The person being assessed3. External parties such as schools or organisationsAssessment practitioner must take all stakeholders into account in a fair, ethical and professional manner.

Question 8

An African-centred approach

Answer 8

1. Assessment must be contextually sensitive and relevant.2. Importance of developing indigenous measures, i.e. test adaptation3. Does not include drawing on the western-orientated assessment knowledge base4. This is owing to ‘the fluidity and changing nature of communities and cultures in a global context

Question 9

Define the following terms: Psychometrics, Psychological assessment, competency-based assessment, assessment measure, assessment battery

Answer 9

Psychometrics= systematic and scientific way psychological measures are developed.Psychological assessment= process-orientated activity to gather a wide array of information by using tests and other sources of info.Competency-based assessment= focuses on assessing the skills, behaviours and values for effective performance in a given setting.Assessment measure= an objective, standardised measure that is used to gather data for a specific purpose.Assessment battery= The combination of measures used.