Week 9: The assessment interview Flashcards
What is an assessment interview?
It is another type of test using to gather information through observing interview behaviour, interpersonal skills, and the way the person responds to questions.
What is a structured/semi-structured interview?
It uses standardised questions delivered in a predetermined format to ensure that each person in interviewed in the same way.
What are the benefits of a structured/semi-structured interview?
- They have better psychometric properties and results that are quantifiable.
- It ensure that the referral question is addressed.
- Reduces chances of interview bias.
- Are more efficient.
- Less reliant on experience/competence of the interviewer.
What is an unstructured interview?
It is more of a guided conversation where information is obtained in a less rigid and more natural dialogue.
What are the benefits of an unstructured interview?
- They are better at building rapport.
- Have greater flexibility.
- Better able to accommodate unexpected information.
- Better at acquiring more subjective details.
What are the possible biases that can occur?
- Halo effect
- Confirmatory bias
- Faking good
- Faking bad
What is the halo effect?
It occurs when the interviewer forms general impressions and uses these to attribute additional characteristics e.g., the client has tattoos, they have issues with authority.
What is confirmatory bias?
It occurs when an initial assumption guides the interview and interpretation of other information e.g., nurses said that the client had hidden items in her room. In the interview, she had difficulty making eye contact, so I don’t believe what she is saying.
What is faking good?
It occurs when the client presents themselves in a better light than is true, through exaggerating positive aspects and omitting more negative elements e.g., I will have more chances of getting this job if I don’t acknowledge my quick temper.
What is faking bad?
It occurs when clients exaggerate their negative traits and emotions, or intentionally perform badly e.g., the only way I can stop working in a front line position is if I demonstrate significant distress.
What is the mental status evaluation?
It reviews the major systems of psychiatric functioning to determine the next course of action, assist with diagnosis, and determine appropriateness of further testing.
