Introduction to Assessment 1 Flashcards
What is Assessment? Assessment is not equal to testing Methods for collecting assessment information
What is Assessment?
It is a process and a systematic procedure of gathering information using a broad array of data collection methods from multiple sources to make inferences or decisions that are relevant, accurate, and reliable about the characteristics of an individual.
In counseling and other helping professions, assessment is considered a process. Why?
it is a continual practice, and it is ongoing, fluid, and dynamic process that continues throughout the course of the helping relationship to gather more information
When assessment starts for a person?
it is not limited to the first meeting with an individual.
it may also begin before the first face-to-face contact with the individual and continues throughout the course of the helping relationship.
Why assessment is important?
It helps gather more information about an individual
Also critical for establishing the goals and objectives of counseling
Help in determining the most effective interventions.
Where assessment can be used? Give examples
- Assessment can be used in different contexts and to assess many types of individuals.
- Assessment occurs in all counseling settings, including schools, mental health clinics, career counseling centers, substance abuse treatment centers, private practice, psychiatric hospitals, and vocational rehabilitation centers.
How assessment help counslers:
o uncover the nature of a client’s problems or issues
o the magnitude of these problems and how they are impacting the client’s life
o how the client’s family, relationships, or past experiences are affecting the current problem
o the client’s strengths and readiness for counseling
o whether counseling can be beneficial to the client.
Why Educators and other school personnel use assessment?
o to identify learning or behavior/emotional problems in students
o to determine appropriate interventions and educational plans
Why Psychologists and other mental health professionals utilize assessment to?
help in diagnosing mental disorders, treatment planning, and monitoring and evaluating treatment progress.
Why career counselors use assessment?
evaluate individuals’ vocational interests and aptitudes.
True or false: assessment = test
False
Assessment is often equated with testing, and the two terms are often confused or erroneously used interchangeably.
What are the differences between Assessment and testing?
oAssessment
1 Assessment is a comprehensive and a complex process that involves the integration of information from multiple data collection methods (interviews, tests, observations) analyzing information about an individual in order to make decisions about that person
2 Assessment involves a set of broad goals.
3 Assessment can proceed effectively without testing
o Testing
1 Tests are only one aspect of the overall assessment process; it is a subset of assessment, as it tests are considered just “one method of collecting information within the larger framework” of assessment
2 Solely only focused on gathering data
What are the Similarities between Assessment and testing?
o Collect information
o Use types of measure
o Evidence-driven
What are the methods for collecting assessment information? And what each categories consist of?
- The methods for collecting assessment information can be grouped into three broad categories: interviews, tests, and observations.
- Each category comprises a wide array of formal and informal instruments and strategies
Examples:
unstructured interviews, rating scales, standardized tests, projective drawings, checklists, questionnaires, and so on.
Why counsellors use multiple type of methods for collecting assessment information?
Counselors should refrain from relying on the results of a single assessment instrument or strategy to make important decisions about clients
It is important for the counselor to use multiple methods and sources to collect corroborating data that helps create a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of the client and their presenting concerns and to make informed decisions about the client
How many methods and sources that should be used in assessment? Give an example
There is no set number of methods and sources that should be used in assessment.
Instead, it depends on the nature of the referral questions and reasons for assessment
E.g. a counselor may uncover new info from a self-report checklist of psychological symptoms that were not disclosed by the client during the interview
Interviews:
What is it?
It is a methods for collecting assessment information
The interview is a face-to-face meeting of the assessment professional and the client.
What are the type of interviews?
Interviewing may range from completely unstructured interactions, to semi-structured interactions. to highly formal structured interviews.
What is the gaol of the interview?
gathers background information relevant to the reason for the assessment.
Why interviews are important?
In many settings, the interview is the primary (and sometimes only) assessment method used to collect data. Without it, information from tests and observations would be meaningless
Tests :
What is it?
It is a methods for collecting assessment information Tests are instruments designed to measure specific attributes of an individual, such as: knowledge or skill level intellectual functioning aptitude interests or preferences values personality traits psychological symptoms level of functioning, and so on.
What are the type of test?
Counselors may use data collected from formal and informal tests(standardized tests), checklists, questionnaires, or inventories
What are the purposes of using tests?
- screening for emotional, behavioral, or learning problems
- classifying or diagnosing certain attributes, problems, or disorders
- selecting or placing individuals into training, educational/vocational programs, or employment opportunities
- assisting in planning educational or psychological interventions
- evaluating the effectiveness of specific interventions or educational programs.
Why test are important?
Test results are particularly useful in assessment because they may reveal vital diagnostic information that would otherwise not have been uncovered through other assessment methods.
Observations:
What is it
It is a methods for collecting assessment information
Observation is an assessment method that involves watching and recording the behavior of an individual in a particular environment.
What are the purposes of Observations?
analyzes what an individual actually does rather than relying on others’ perceptions of that individual
Observation is useful for collecting information about an individual’s emotional responses, social interactions, motor skills, and job performance, as well as for identifying specific patterns of behavior.
What are the different type or form of observations?
(rating scales, event recording, raw notes)
Observation can be
formal: involving the use of standardized rating scales and highly structured procedures
Informal: in which the counselor simply makes raw notes regarding a client’s verbal and nonverbal behavior during the assessment.
