Chapter 1-intro Flashcards
Test definition
Measurement device or technique used to quantify behavior or aid in the understanding and prediction of behavior.
- E.g. spelling test - measures how well someone spells/extent to which someone has learned how to spell
A test measures only a ______ of behavior.
SAMPLE
-> Error is always associated with a sampling process!
Item def
Specific stimulus to which a person responds overtly. (i.e. specific questions or problems that make up a test).
-> This response can be scored/evaluated (e.g., classified, graded on a scale, or counted).
Because psychological and educational tests are made up of ______, the data they produce are ______ and hence subject to scientific inquiry.
items, explicit
Psychological (or educational) test def
A standardized tool/instrument designed to measure a specific psychological attribute like personality traits, intelligence, or mental health status.
Overt behavior def
Individual’s observable activity
Covert behavior def
Takes place within an individual and cannot be directly observed (e.g. feelings/thoughts)
Scores on tests may be related to ______ or _______.
traits, state
Trait def
Enduring characteristics/tendencies to respond in a certain manner
State def
Specific condition or status of an individual
The meaning of the scores can change dramatically, depending on how a well-defined sample of individuals scores on a test.
How do psychologists deal with such problems?
Psychologists make use of scales, which relate raw scores on test items to some defined theoretical or empirical distribution
Individual test def
Test that can be given to only one person at a time.
Group test def
Can be administered to more than one person at a time by a single examiner
- E.g. when an instructor gives everyone in the class a test at the same time.
Test administrator (or examiner) def
Person giving the test
One can also categorize tests according to the _______________ they measure.
type of behavior
2 main categories of tests
Ability tests vs Personality tests
Ability test def
Measure skills in terms of speed, accuracy, or both.
=> The faster or the more accurate your responses, the better your scores on a particular characteristic.
What are the 3 types of ability tests?
Achievement, Aptitude and Intelligence tests
Achievement test def
Measures previous learning.
- E.g. A test that measures or evaluates how many words you can spell correctly is called a spelling achievement test.
Aptitude test def
Measures potential for acquiring a specific skill.
- A spelling aptitude test measures how many words you might be able to spell given a certain amount of training, education, and experience.
Intelligence test def
Measures potential to solve problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and profit from experience.
In view of the considerable overlap of achievement, aptitude, and intelligence tests, all three concepts are encompassed by the term________.
human ability
Personality test def
Measure TYPICAL behavior - traits, temperament, and dispositions.
- E.g. Remaining isolated from others, for instance, does not require any special skill or ability, but some people typically prefer or tend to remain thus isolated.
Types of personality tests
Structured (objective) and Projective tests
