chapter 4 Flashcards
What is a psychological trait?
A stable characteristic (e.g., intelligence, extraversion)
Traits are consistent over time and situations.
What is a psychological state?
A temporary condition (e.g., mood, stress level)
States can change frequently, such as feeling anxious before an exam.
How can psychological traits and states be measured?
Tests assign numerical values to traits and states
Example: IQ scores measure cognitive ability.
What does it mean for a test to be valid?
It can predict real-world behaviors
Example: A job aptitude test predicting work performance.
What is error variance in psychological testing?
The portion of test score variability caused by irrelevant factors
Example: A student scoring lower due to illness.
What is true score theory?
A person’s observed score consists of their true ability plus error variance
This theory helps understand score variability.
What is race norming?
Adjusting test scores based on race/ethnic group norms
This practice is largely banned in the U.S.
What are the benefits of testing and assessment to society?
Ensures qualified professionals in key fields
Example: Pilots undergoing psychological assessments for fitness to fly.
What is reliability in the context of testing?
A test should yield consistent results
Example: A scale showing the same weight repeatedly.
What is validity in psychological testing?
A test must measure what it claims to measure
Example: An emotional intelligence test assessing emotional awareness.
What is test standardization?
Establishing consistent test conditions
Standardized tests are administered and scored uniformly.
Define ‘norm’ in psychological testing.
A reference standard for comparing individual test scores
Norming is the process of establishing these standards.
What is an incidental sample?
A convenience sample, not systematically selected
This method may not represent the population accurately.
What are local norms?
Norms based on a specific geographic or institutional group
These norms can help understand specific populations.
What is norm-referenced testing?
Compares an individual’s score to a peer group
Example: IQ tests are norm-referenced.
What is the equipercentile method?
A statistical method that equates scores from different tests by matching percentile ranks
This method helps in comparing different assessment results.
What does it mean to score in the 90th percentile?
Scoring better than 90% of test-takers
This indicates a high level of performance compared to peers.
What is overt behavior in assessments?
Observable actions measured in assessments
Example: A role-play test to assess social skills.
What is a psychological trait?
A stable characteristic (e.g., intelligence, extraversion)
Traits are consistent over time and situations.
What is a psychological state?
A temporary condition (e.g., mood, stress level)
States can change frequently, such as feeling anxious before an exam.
How can psychological traits and states be measured?
Tests assign numerical values to traits and states
Example: IQ scores measure cognitive ability.
What does it mean for a test to be valid?
It can predict real-world behaviors
Example: A job aptitude test predicting work performance.
What is error variance in psychological testing?
The portion of test score variability caused by irrelevant factors
Example: A student scoring lower due to illness.
What is true score theory?
A person’s observed score consists of their true ability plus error variance
This theory helps understand score variability.
What is race norming?
Adjusting test scores based on race/ethnic group norms
This practice is largely banned in the U.S.
What are the benefits of testing and assessment to society?
Ensures qualified professionals in key fields
Example: Pilots undergoing psychological assessments for fitness to fly.
What is reliability in the context of testing?
A test should yield consistent results
Example: A scale showing the same weight repeatedly.
What is validity in psychological testing?
A test must measure what it claims to measure
Example: An emotional intelligence test assessing emotional awareness.
What is test standardization?
Establishing consistent test conditions
Standardized tests are administered and scored uniformly.
Define ‘norm’ in psychological testing.
A reference standard for comparing individual test scores
Norming is the process of establishing these standards.
What is an incidental sample?
A convenience sample, not systematically selected
This method may not represent the population accurately.
What are local norms?
Norms based on a specific geographic or institutional group
These norms can help understand specific populations.
What is norm-referenced testing?
Compares an individual’s score to a peer group
Example: IQ tests are norm-referenced.
What is the equipercentile method?
A statistical method that equates scores from different tests by matching percentile ranks
This method helps in comparing different assessment results.
What does it mean to score in the 90th percentile?
Scoring better than 90% of test-takers
This indicates a high level of performance compared to peers.
What is overt behavior in assessments?
Observable actions measured in assessments
Example: A role-play test to assess social skills.
