Chapter 3: Assumptions about Psychological Testing and Assessment Flashcards
The seven (7) assumptions of psychological testing and assessment.
- Psychological traits and states exist.
- Psychological traits and states can be measured.
- Test-related behavior predicts non-test-related behavior.
- Test and other measurement techniques have strengths and weaknesses.
- Various sources of error are part of the assessment process.
- Testing and assessment can be done in a fair and unbiased manner.
- Testing and assessment benefit society.
This refers to any distinguishable, relatively enduring way in which one individual varies from another.
Trait.
Examples of this are intelligence, specific intellectual abilities, cognitive style, adjustment, interests, attitudes, sexual orientation, preferences, etc.
Psychological trait.
This distinguishes one person from another but are relatively less enduring.
States.
This refers to an informed, scientific concept developed or constructed to explain a behavior, inferred from overt behavior.
Construct.
An observable action or the product of an observable action.
Overt behavior.
This refers to the assumption that the more the test-taker responds in a particular direction keyed by the test manual as correct or consistent with a particular trait, the higher that test-taker is presumed to be on the targeted ability or trait.
Cumulative scoring.
This refers to something that is more than expected. It is a component of the measurement process.
It can also refer to the long-standing assumption that factors other than what a test attempts to measure will influence performance on the test.
Error.
The component of a test score attributable to sources other than the trait or ability measured.
Error variance.
Three (3) potential sources of error variance.
- Assessors
- Measuring instruments
- Random errors such as luck
This refers to the theory that each test-taker has a “true score” on a test that would be obtained if not for the action of measurement error.
Classical test theory.
A “good” test has these three (3) characteristics, which are?
- Includes clear instructions for administration, scoring, and interpretation.
- Offered economy in the time and money it took to administer, score, and interpret (economical).
- Measures what it is supposed to measure.
This refers to the consistency of the measuring tool.
Reliability.
This refers to how accurately a test measures what it is supposed to measure.
Validity.
This refers to the usual, average, normal, standard, expected, or typical.
Norms.