Methods and Sources of Assessment Information 1

Question 1

counselors typically use one method to collect assessment information. True or false?

Answer 1

False
To collect data that are thorough enough to produce an in-depth understanding of a client, counselors typically use multiple methods for collecting assessment information.

Question 2

Any assessment process uses different data collection methods from different sources. What are they?

Answer 2

In each of these categories, counselors may choose from a multitude of formal and informal instruments and strategies to collect information.
o Interviews
o Observations
o Testing

Question 3

What are the sources of Assessment Information?

Answer 3

1 Most of the information comes from the client
information can also be obtained from
2 Collateral Sources and Records
3 relatives, friends, teachers, health professionals
4 medical records, school records, reports from earlier assessments

Question 4

The methods and sources of Assessment information vary depending on?

Answer 4

o The purpose of assessment
o The settings
o The needs of the client
o The availability of the methods and sources of information

Question 5

How can a counsellor choose the source of Assessment information?

Answer 5

if a client is quite forthcoming and open to the assessment process, the assessments may be based entirely on information obtained from interviews.

If a client is reluctant to disclose information, the assessment may primarily include information from collateral sources and records.

Question 6

In a clinical setting, a counsellor know which methods and sources of information will prove most critical or valuable in the assessment process.
True or false

Answer 6

False
It is often difficult to predict which methods and sources of information will prove most critical or valuable in the assessment process before meeting the client.

Question 7

How a counsellor choose to use either behavioral observation or standardized testing? Give example

Answer 7

Each may prove more useful than the other in certain cases.
For example, a classroom assessment of disruptive behavior might best be served by observation strategies, while an assessment of pathology might be best served by standardized testing.

Question 8

How standardized test results can be more evident than observation or interview?

Answer 8

In some cases, standardized test results could provide information that might not be evident through observation or interview

For example, a college student who threatened a professor. Observation or interview alone would probably not provide enough information to arrive at a reliable estimate of the danger or lack thereof. In this case, the addition of data from a standardized assessment would allow for a more thorough analysis of the individual’s potential for harm.

Question 9

Is using observation or standardized assessment is enough for the assessment process?

Answer 9

No. The initial interview is almost always required in the assessment process to obtain relevant back-ground information about the client as well as the client’s perceptions about his or her problems and strengths.

Question 10

Why is it best to use multiple methods and sources of information?

Answer 10

E.g. when assessing a child, it is important to also interview parents and teachers who can provide additional information

This helps create a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the client

Therefore, counselors should not use the results of a single assessment instrument or strategy to make important decisions about clients.

Question 11

True or false:

it is best to collect assessment on one settings

Answer 11

False
It is also best to collect assessment data across settings
o E.g., observing a child’s disruptive behavior at home, and in different classes at school

Question 12

What makes an assessment process more complex than another assessment process?

Answer 12

The complexity of the assessment process depends on the purpose of assessment.

Question 13

What is the definition of formal assessment instruments? Give an example

Answer 13

the use of assessment instruments that are standardized. These formal assessment methods have structured materials, uniform administration procedures, and consistent methods for scoring and interpretation.
o E.g., QOLI

Question 14

What are the features of standardized instruments (formal)?

Answer 14

• undergone extensive instrument development, which involves the writing and rewriting of items, hundreds of administrations, the development of reliability and validity data, administrations to what is sometimes very large groups (i.e., thousands) of examinees, and the development of clearly specified administration and scoring procedures
• proven reliability (consistency of scores) and validity (the accuracy to measure what the instrument is designed to measure)

Question 15

What does it mean when an instrument assessment is o standardized on a norm group?

Answer 15

a reference group of people who participated in the standardization of the test, to which researchers and professionals can compare the performance of their subjects/clients).

Question 16

What is the primary purpose for standardizing an assessment instrument? Give an example

Answer 16

to make sure that all the variables that are under the control of the examiner are as uniform as possible, so that everyone who takes the test will be taking it in the same way

E.G.:
standardized psychological or educational tests, structured interviews, or structured behavior observations.

Question 17

Why counselors use standardized tests?

Answer 17

Counselors often use instruments like the Beck Depression Inventory to diagnose and classify levels of depression in clients.

The BDI-II is the most frequently used standardized instrument for the assessment of depression and provides a score that can indicate the severity of depression.

Question 18

What is the definition of informal assessment instruments? Give example

Answer 18

instruments and strategies that are developed without proven reliability and validity; no standardized administration, scoring procedures or interpretation.

Depend upon the counselor’s professional judgment for interpreting results and making recommendations.

E.g.:
unstructured interviews, informal observation, projective drawings, checklists, work samples, teacher-or counselor-made tests, and questionnaires.

Question 19

Why counselors use informal assessment instruments? Give examples

Answer 19

counselors use an informal assessment process to gain some basic information.

E.g.: the use of a feeling chart that describes the types of feelings clients may be experiencing and helps them identify their emotional responses when they are not able to put words to their feelings.

Question 20

What is Projective Drawing?

Answer 20

An individual is instructed to draw a person, an object, or a situation so that cognitive, interpersonal, or psychological functioning can be assessed.

Question 21

What are the formal and informal interviews?

Answer 21

Formal:
structured
semi-structured

Informal:
unstructured
semi-structured

Question 22

What are the formal and informal Tests?

Answer 22

Formal:
Standardized tests and inventories

Informal:
Teacher- or Counselor-made tests
Checklists
Questionnaires
Projective drawings
Work samples

Question 23

What are the formal and informal Observations?

Answer 23

Formal:
Rating scales
Event recording
Duration recording

Informal:
Raw notes
Anecdotal records