...Introduction to Psychological Testing Consuelo Mumford PSY 475 June 1, 2015 Maureen Clifford Introduction to Psychological Testing Tests are theoretical concepts which provide professionals in psychology with pertinent data related to the human behaviors, thoughts, and personalities. There are five major categories of testing which are important to testing, with the four major uses and users of testing. Testing has a purpose in education, clinical, intelligence, and neuropsychological in psychological measurement. Testing must have reliability and validity for psychological testing, the assessment must be reliable and valid functional. Definition of Test Test is an old French name initially utilized in the English origin, the cup’s purpose is to caste gold or silver ore. Test are used to test mental, physiological, academic, conditions and qualities of humans (Hogan, 2007, p. 38). The Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing defines test as, “An evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored using a standardized process” (p. 38). Test with several definitions, meaning information, evaluation, conclusion, inference and reference. (p. 40). Test is obtainable information of behavior or cognition procedures in quantified manner (p. 41). In an assessment evaluation, test are not used in the process, the test helps answers areas of functioning, diagnostic...
Words: 822 - Pages: 4
...Introduction to Psychological Testing Paper In everyday life as people we all encounter some type of test or have testing something. A test can be define as a procedure to define the performance quality, or reliability of something. Anything can be tested. There are four categories of testing which include psychological testing, mental ability testing, achievement testing, and interested and attitudes. Each one of the test serve are uses for a different purpose which in the end must be based against the concept of reliability and validity. Over time psychology is affected based upon the findings of these test. Psychological testing is one of the most frequently used test in psychology. with psychological testing a certain sample of behavior is measured. These certain samples are usually prescribed prior to the testing. Most common versions of this testing are series of certain items. For example questionnaires would be a form of psychological testing. Employers,schools, and psychologist often use these test to uncover information in reference to functioning and ability.(Psychological Testing). In mental ability testing individuals cognitive functions are tested i.e visualization, memory, thinking process etc. One of the most common forms of this testing would be intelligence test which are used to discover an individuals mental abilities. Achievement testing are used when an individuals level or IQ needs to be tested primarily in a certain area. A general test that...
Words: 732 - Pages: 3
...Psychological Testing Serena Bair Psy. 475 May 14, 2011 Psychological Testing Psychological testing can provide a great deal of information for many people. People that rely on psychological testing include, but are not limited to psychologists, teachers, parents, behavioral specialists, and psychiatrists. In order for these people to understand the information given to them they need to have a basic understanding of psychological tests. There is a variety of tests available for testing people, and each of these tests has specific uses. These tests must also have a degree of reliability and validity in order to be useful in the field of psychological testing. The major assumptions and fundamental questions also need to be addressed. Tests The majority of people have a basic idea of the definition of a test. A test, (2011) according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “something (as a series of questions or exercises) for measuring the skill, knowledge, intelligence, capacities, or aptitudes of an individual or group”. This definition can fit some of the areas of psychological testing but six common elements are present in the meaning of “test” in the context of behavioral sciences (Hogan, 2007) These six common features that are present in the definition of a psychological test are: a test is some type of procedure or device, yields information, the procedure or device yields information about behavior, a sample of a behavior or cognitive process rather than...
Words: 1046 - Pages: 5
...Psychological Testing PSY/475 Psychological Testing In this paper the subject is to summarize the major assumptions and fundamental questions associated with psychological testing. The author begins by defining the term test. Next, the author describes the major categories of tests and identifies the major uses and users of these tests. Last the paper compares and contrasts the concepts of reliability and validity and discusses how they affect the field of psychological testing. The Standards for Education and Psychological Testing defines test as, “An evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior (is) evaluated and scored using a standardized process” (Hogan, 2007, pg. 38). Anastasi and Cronbach, both traditional textbook authors, define the term test as, “an objective and standardized measure of a sample of behavior” and “a systematic procedure for observing behavior and describing it with the aid of numerical scales or fixed categories” (Hogan, 2007, pg. 38). In psychology, tests are used to make important decisions about an individual. Testing samples a person’s behavior, creates a standardized measure, and contributes in making important decisions about the individual taking the test. Testing is used in many different areas and is used to sample a person behavior, create a standardize measure, and contribute in making important decisions. For example, college admissions officers consult test score before admitting or rejecting...
Words: 853 - Pages: 4
...Psychological Testing There are different ways to do psychological testing. There has to be a way to measure different criteria of a specific element one is trying to study. A test can help psychologist determine, predict and explain a persons’ behavior and can attempt to use the information gathered through such tests to help the patient with their behavior or mental disorders. The word “test” comes from an Old French word, with the earliest recorded use in English being by Chaucer in 1368. Another definition of the term “test” is the process or an instance of testing the academic, mental, physiological, or other qualities and conditions of a human subject” (Vol. 17, p. 826). In order to better understand the concept of a psychological test, one has to break it down to having categories of tests. There are five major categories including mental ability tests, achievement tests, personality tests, interests and attitudes, and neuropsychological tests. The mental ability tests are comprised of many different tests which main goal is to test a wide variety of cognitive functions including memory, spatial visualization and creative thinking. In general, tests can be used for clinical purposes, educational purposes, personnel purposes or used for research. Mental ability tests are used by doctors, psychologist and psychiatrists and can be used to provide an index of an overall mental ability of individuals (Hogan, 2007). Achievement tests are used to assess a person’s...
Words: 789 - Pages: 4
...Introduction to Psychological Testing Megan Szopinski PSY/475 April 13, 2015 Dennis Plunkett Abstract Within this essay there will be information providing the following; the psychological testing definition of the word ‘test', the major categories of psychological test, the uses and users of each, and the difference and similarities of reliability and validity. The information provided will give you a good idea of what test should be used for and who would administer that particular test. There will also be an example of how a test can be reliable but not valid. For an experiment to have an accurate test, the test needs to have reliability and validity. Introduction to Psychological Testing Psychological testing is crucial when it comes to measuring how and why humans behave in certain ways. Choosing the correct test for the right experiment is also important. There are some major assumptions and fundamental questions that relate to psychological testing. The main ones are (a) defining the term test, (b) describing the major categories of test and who uses them or users of them, and (c) reliability and validity and how affect psychological testing. Throughout this paper, we will discuss the assumptions and questions related to psychological testing. Defining the Term ‘Test’ Most of us have taken a test of some sort throughout our lives. Sometimes we may think to ourselves "why do we need to take another test" or "I am horrible at test, but I do know the information"...
Words: 1610 - Pages: 7
...Psychological Testing Janice Watson PSY 475 June 19, 2015 Shirley Wilson Psychological Testing Introduction This paper will discuss the major assumptions and fundamental questions of psychological testing. It will define what testing it, describe the major categories of test, their uses and who uses these tests. It will also compare and contrast reliability and validity and how they affect psychological testing. Test There are various ways in which an individual can define test. A test is a system for accomplishing something such as observing behavior and illustrating it with the help of numerical scales or prearranged categories (Hogan, 2007). There are common elements between “tests". They test some procedure or device that bring forth information. The procedure or device gives information about some behavior, and the test are a systematic, standardized procedure (Hogan, 2007). Another definition of psychological testing is that they are a written, verbal, or visual assessment done to determine the cognitive and emotional activity of individuals (Health, 2015). Just because there are many ways to define test does not mean each answer is wrong. It depends on the subject matter at hand and how the individual chooses to define it. Categories of Test There are five major categories of test that include personality, interests and attitudes, achievement test, neuropsychological, and mental ability tests (Hogan, 2007). The personality test includes many...
Words: 747 - Pages: 3
...Introduction to Psychological Testing Lisa Bueno University of Phoenix PSY/475 Psychological Testing and Measurements Pamela Stewart, M.S. February 8, 2012 Introduction to Psychological Testing Define “Test” The word test as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary is, “a cup used for smelting gold or silver ore” (Hogan, 2007, p. 38). Imagining what testing meant for Chaucer in the mid 1300s could be associated with an image of pure data, (perhaps gold or silver) captured and additional data was irrelevant. The Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests defines test as, “An evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored using a standardized process” (Hogan, 2007, p. 38). In addition, Anastasi and Cronbach define test as “an objective and standardized measure of a sample behavior” and “there is no fully satisfactory definition” respectively (Hogan, 2007, p. 39). Essentially, Hogan (2007) gathered the test definitions and identified six critical elements: device or procedure, gather information, behavior or cognitive processes, sample, standardized and quantified. “A test is a standardized process or device that yields information about a sample or behavior or cognitive processes in a quantified manner” (Hogan, 2007, p. 41). However concise this definition may seem, in order to further understand psychological testing one must uncover the basics, identify...
Words: 992 - Pages: 4
...Introduction to Psychological Testing Aryne F. Levine PSY/475 May 24, 2012 Glenn Leighbody Introduction to Psychological Testing The term test is a difficult term to define. There are several major categories and sub- categories of assessments. The major categories of assessments relate to the type of examination. The sub-categories of assessments relate to the manner in which the assessment is taken. Assessments can be used for a wide variety of purposes in the professional, military, and educational worlds. The validity and reliability of a test affect the overall purpose of the test. Human error and individuality can affect the reliability and validity of psychological assessments. Definition of the Term Test The term test is defined as an analytical assessment, examination, or appraisal that is used to measure the abilities, understanding, intellect, proficiencies, or skills of an individual or group (Merriam-Webster, 2012). There are many major and minor categories of tests. The five major test categories are: The five main categories of psychological tests are: mental ability tests, achievement tests, personality assessments, interest and attitude assessments, and neuropsychological tests. The minor categories of tests are: performance, paper and pencil, power, speed, individual, group, maximum performance, typical performance, norm-referenced, and criterion referenced examinations. Separating examinations...
Words: 1723 - Pages: 7
...Psychological Testing in the Workplace Jennifer Lindquist PSY 435 December 9, 2013 Francis Uzonwanne Psychological Testing in the Workplace Psychological testing is being used in the workplace to improve the workforce. Validity and reliability issues surround psychological testing. There are some ethical issues that surround psychological testing. With high competitive business environment most employers are starting to do employment testing to improve their workforces. Public and private sector companies frequently conduct psychological test for full-time employment. Different types of psychological testing One type of psychological testing is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a personality testing system that private companies and federal government agencies use. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator arranges personality data by a four scales of opposing characteristics (Basu, 2013). The first scale decides if an employee’s drive ascends form the environment or the individual’s own ideas and emotions. The second scale decides if an employee pays attention to sensory information or to his or her own intuition (Basu, 2013). The third scale calculates if decisions are made based on reasoning and logic or personal values. The fourth scale decides if the employee is spontaneous or organized towards his or her daily activities. Companies use Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test to try to correspond employees to the job that fits his or her personality, enhance...
Words: 1216 - Pages: 5
...* * * * * * * * Introduction to Psychological Testing * Melanie Callahan * Psychological Tests and Measurements PSY 475 * Deborah Ford * June 6, 2011 Introduction to Psychological Testing According to a survey of 455 psychologists and counselors form Division 17 (Counseling Psychology) of the American Psychological Association, psychological testing is an important part of clinical psychology (Fee, Elkins, & Boyd, 1982). The most recommended tests from this group were the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), and the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory (SCII) (Fee, Elkins, & Boyd, 1982). Psychological testing provides the clinician with information about the client’s personality structure pertinent for the multifaceted approach to mental health (Fee, Elkins, & Boyd, 1982). In this research paper, test will be defined, major categories of tests will be examined along with their uses and users, and reliability and validity of testing will be compared. * The Definition of Test * The definitions for test given by the Oxford English Dictionary and the glossary of the authoritative Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests are not useful for the purpose of this paper; however, one may take some practical information from these two sources along with the definitions from the textbooks by Anne Anastasi and Lee Cronbach. The Oxford English dictionary does...
Words: 1448 - Pages: 6
...Introduction to Psychological Testing Andrea K. Clark 06/15/2015 PSY/475 Introduction to Psychological Testing The goal of this paper is the summarization of key suppositions and basic questions related to psychological testing. A definition of the term ‘test’ shall be provided, as well as explanations of the main test types and identification of the chief users and usages of these tests. Additionally, there shall be a discussion of a comparison and contrast of reliability and validity beliefs and how they influence psychological testing. Definition of Test The definition of a test is “a critical examination, observation, or evaluation” that generates information (Merriam-Webster, Inc., 2015). Tests are utilized to identify, characterize or measure an individual’s or group’s knowledge, intellect, skills, capabilities or aptitudes. In the psychological fields, tests are assessment tools that standardize these characterizations, measurements, and identifications. Psychological tests are “a systematic procedure for observing behavior and describing it with the aid of numerical scales or fixed categories” (Hogan, 2007, p. 39). Main Test Types, Chief Usages, and Users According to Hogan (2007), “we classify tests into five major categories: mental ability, achievement, personality, interests, and neuropsychological tests, with several subdivisions within some of the major categories” (p. 41). There are also different test classification methods: standardized, non-standardized...
Words: 1148 - Pages: 5
...Psychological Testing PSY/435 February 25, 2012 Psychological Testing Psychological testing is a recognized way to measure an individual’s knowledge, skill, abilities, characteristics, traits, and behavior. This type of testing is a way to introduce an individual’s personality, and a tool to help organizations select the appropriate employee. The ability test, personality test, and emotional intelligence test are just a few of the many tests available. A good test is one that is reliable and valid. A reliable test will work the same each time it is administered, and a valid test measures what it intends to measure. Although ethical issues exist, many psychological testing is both valid and reliable, and is a benefit for the employee and organization when used appropriately (Spector, 2008). Psychological Testing in the Workplace “A psychological test is a standardized series of problems or questions that assess a particular individual characteristic” (Spector, 2008, p. 110). These tests are often used to evaluate an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities, and include items that specify his or her characteristics of interest. Multiple items on the test provide better reliability and validity compared to single-item tests (Spector, 2008). Psychological tests are typically easy and quick to apply and can assess several characteristics in one test (Spector, 2008). Ability Test An ability test is similar to the aptitude test, in which it tests an individual’s capacity...
Words: 1518 - Pages: 7
...for Educational and Psychological Testing defines test as, “an evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinees’ behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated, and scored using a standardized process.” Furthermore, Hogan stated that a test is a systematic and standardized qualification procedure or device that produces information about behavior, and cognitive processes, and measures a sample of behavior rather than an extensive examination of the variety of individual’s behaviors Describe the major categories of tests and identify the major uses of these tests. The major categories of psychological tests are, mental ability, achievement, personality, interests and attitudes, and neuropsychological tests. Mental ability tests measure cognitive functions, such as intelligence, memory, spatial visualization, and creative thinking. Achievement tests assess capability within certain areas of expertise, and sometimes include assessments of reading, math, science, and social studies, at the same time identify more specific achievement. Personality tests are designed to produce information about personality and are most widely applied of all psychological tests. These tests compare an individual’s responses to different clinical groups for similarity, and sometimes measure depression, eating disorders, pathological or disabling conditions, or fascinations of the human personality. Interests and attitudes tests include...
Words: 758 - Pages: 4
...Psychological Testing Tabitha Taney PSY/475 September 18, 2013 Maggie Boone Psychological Testing There are tests of every type that most people will have to take throughout their lives. There are driving tests, tests to get into college, tests in all varieties of schools and even in the workplace, when being hired or promoted. There are also tests in the world of psychology, including testing in schools and the workplace. Psychological testing will be defined, with a few different varying descriptions from a few sources, since there is not just one definition for this type of test. The major categories of tests will be described and the major uses and users of these tests will be identified. The concepts of reliability and validity will be compared and contrasted, and how they both impact the field of psychological testing will be discussed. Definition of the term “test” “The glossary of the authoritative Standards for Educational and Psychology Tests,” according to our textbook, “says that a test is an evaluative device or procedure in which a sample of an examinee’s behavior in a specified domain is obtained and subsequently evaluated and scored...
Words: 1575 - Pages: 7
