Ethical guidelines for psyc assessment Flashcards
Psychological assessment
encompasses multiple sources of data generated from one or more assessment methods e.g., psychological tests; behavioural observations; structured, semi-structured and clinical interviews; questionnaires; rating scales; checklists; behavioural simulations or games; and other structured and evidence-based approaches to gathering information about clients.
Psychological tests
Characterised by standardised administration and scoring, the availability of population sample norms to assist interpretation, and a set of items that allows measurement of some attribute of an individual, e.g., intelligence, aptitudes or personality traits
Why might a psychologist undertake psychological assessment
Varying purposes - diagnosis, treatment, planning and intervention, monitoring effectiveness of interventions, vocational suitability, organisational functioning, and forensic and legal purposes.
Review slide - ethical guidelines chapter 2 - competence (part 1)
Review slide - ethical guidelines chapter 2 - competence (part 2)
Refer to the Code, standard B.6. Delegation of professional tasks.
B.6. Psychologists who delegate tasks to assistants, employees, junior colleagues or supervisees that involve the
provision of psychological services:
(a) take reasonable steps to ensure that delegates are aware of the provisions of this Code relevant to the
delegated professional task;
…
(d) take reasonable steps to ensure that the delegates are competent to undertake the tasks assigned to
them; and
(e) oversee delegates to ensure that they perform tasks competently.
2.20. Psychologists retain full responsibility for the interpretation, reporting of, and feedback regarding psychological
test scores, but may delegate the administration and scoring of some tests to suitably trained persons.
Psychologists ensure that any non-psychologist to whom delegation is made is aware of, and abides by, all
relevant ethical and procedural requirements.
2.21. Psychologists may delegate some aspects of the assessment process to non-psychologists, provided the
psychologist assumes responsibility for their use and has determined the manner in which test results are to
be used.
2.22. Psychologists do not support the use of a single score on a psychological test by an organisation as a rationale
for clients’ access to or withdrawal of services.
2.23. When providing reports psychologists do not make professional judgements about individuals who have not
been included in the assessment process.
Review slide - ethical guidelines chapter 4 - informed consent
Review slide - ethical guidelines chapter 5 - confidentiality
Review slide - ethical guidelines chapter 6 - communication of psychological assessment results
Review slide - ethical guidelines chapter 8 - Justice
Review slide - summary of ethical guidelines
