Week 2: Writing Psychological Reports

Question 1

What organisation assesses the proficiency of psychological reports?

Answer 1

Society for Personality Assessment (SPA)

Question 2

What are the 5 key themes which psychologists should adhere to when writing a psychological report? (As per SPA)

Answer 2

Comprehensiveness
Integration
Validity
Client Centredness
Overall Writing

Question 3

What are the four writing styles used in psychological reports?

Answer 3

Literary
Clinical
Scientific
Professional

Question 4

What is the key function of a psychological report?

Answer 4

To present assessment findings in a clear and integrated way

Question 5

Why would prior knowledge of issues a client is facing be helpful in report writing?

Answer 5

It can improve the quality of the recommendations

Question 6

What forms the basis of a valid and useful report?

Answer 6

It relies on assessments that are valid, thorough and clear.

A well-written report will not compensate for poor testing.

Question 7

What did the American Psychological Association do in 2010?

Answer 7

Recognised psychological assessment as a specific and distinct proficiency.

Meaning, as a skill, it can be evaluated, measured and verified as a way of protecting clients.

Question 8

How long is a typical psychological report?

Answer 8

5 - 7 pages (single-spaced)

But it can vary based on the purpose, context and expectations of the referral source.

This length is common in educational, psychological and vocational contexts.

Question 9

What report length is common in a Medical context?

Answer 9

2 pages

Question 10

How long is a report required to be in a Legal context?

Answer 10

7 - 10 pages due to needing for greater documentation.

Question 11

What is a psychologist serving as an expert witness likely to deal with?

Answer 11

Evaluate a client

Comment on reports made by other mental health professionals

Defend themselves against rebuttals in court

Question 12

What is a common complaint about psychological reports?

Answer 12

They are too long

Question 13

What are the 4 most common topic domains that are likely to be included in a report?

Answer 13

Cognitive functioning
Emotional functioning
Self-concept
Interpersonal relations

Question 14

What must a psychologist strike a balance between when writing a report?

Answer 14

Providing too much vs. too little information

Being too cold vs. being too dramatic

Question 15

What is a rule of thumb in terms of deciding what to include in a report?

Answer 15

Include if it addresses the referral question and increases understanding of the client

Question 16

What is a general rule regarding the inclusion of information about a client’s psychological functioning in a report?

Answer 16

That the report should focus on what makes the person unique in terms of psychological functioning.

Not how they are similar to the average person, but how they are different.

Question 17

What is a common error in terms of describing a client?

Answer 17

The use of vague, generalised statements which could be applied to anyone.

Question 18

What is the Barnum effect?

Answer 18

Relates to findings in studies which showed that participants would uncritically accept universally valid (vague) statements, especially if they were positive in nature, rather than statements which were subjective and unique to them.

Question 19

Why is it important to integrate test results when writing a report?

Answer 19

It’s a comprehensive way of highlighting strengths and weaknesses or the client and gives the reader a good feel for the person as a whole.

Question 20

What is a weakness of domain-orientated reports?

Answer 20

They can sometimes have too much information which overloads the reader.

Question 21

Where can incorrect conclusions in a report arise from?

Answer 21

Trying to please a referral source, or a lack of data

Question 22

When should you include speculations

Answer 22

Only when they are relevant to the referral question

Question 23

How can a client’s energy levels during a test be using to imply relative validity for a test when writing a report?

Answer 23

Referring to client’s energy levels during testing can indicate how valid test results are likely to be

Question 24

What is one way of demonstrating relative validity in a report?

Answer 24

Emphasising findings which come from multiple sources or tests.

Want to avoid focusing on just one data point.

Question 25

What does a Case Focused Report involve?

Answer 25

Focuses on specific problems provided by referral source

Question 26

What is feedback considered as in psychological reporting?

Answer 26

A clinical intervention which can help or harm a client and should be done sensitively and thoughtfully.

Question 27

Should reports be hidden from clients?

Answer 27

No. They should be written in an accessible, accurate and clear manner which clients are able to understand

Question 28

What does evidence suggest about providing test feedback to clients?

Answer 28

It can result in significant therapeutic benefits.

Question 29

Is a client likely to read an entire report?

Answer 29

It varies.

Sometimes a psychologist might paraphase certain sections to improve client’s understanding.

Question 30

What should a psychologist consider when providing a report to a client?

Answer 30

Their level of intelligence, vocabulary, education, and psychological sophistication.

Sometimes a client may be provided with a revised report instead (i.e. an informal letter).

Question 31

Why should psychologists avoid disguising speculations as assertions?

Answer 31

Can lead to incorrect conclusions and overly authoritative reports - which can irritate the reader

Question 32

Why should you avoid stating ‘test results indicate’ in a report?

Answer 32

It suggests you are trying to hand over the responsibility of conclusions and recommendations to the test.

It’s the psychologists responsibility, not the tests.

Question 33

What will help to ensure readers can logically track recommendations, diagnosis and conclusions in a report?

Answer 33

Proof which supports each must be included otherwise it should be removed

Question 34

What should one consider when thinking about who the intended reader is of a report?

Answer 34

Their level of expertise, how they’ll interpret the report and what decisions they will need to make (if any)

Question 35

Why are feedback sessions referred to as hybrid sessions?

Answer 35

The sessions are a combination of therapy and testing where the psychologist acts as a scholar/researcher and a clinician

Question 36

What is involved in providing effective feedback?

Answer 36

Correcting misconceptions and explaining the rationale for the assessment

Question 37

Assessment can evaluate a client’s sanity

Answer 37

False

Question 38

What is a helpful way of providing information to a client from their assessment

Answer 38

Integrate the information into the person’s life, using concrete examples, where possible

Question 39

What should a psychologist consider about a client in order to run a feedback session?

Answer 39

Consider the client’s ego, life situation, level of receptiveness to feedback and stability

Question 40

What areas should you focus on delivering during a feedback session?

Answer 40

The most essential information for the client to understand.

3-4 general and well-developed areas are considered reasonable.

Question 41

What outcome should a feedback session involve for the client?

Answer 41

The client should have new perspectives and options, as well as been helpful in their decision making

Question 42

What is the preferred writing style for psychological reporting?

Answer 42

Professional