Psychological Assessment

Seniors’ In-Service Training

Worksheet #1

Name: TABAC, AICES JANNAE TROCIO, RUCEL MAE

Date: JULY 29, 2020

KEY TERM EXERCISE: THE CONCEPTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Fill out the blanks with either definitions or Key Terms, depending on what’s missing.

Key Term Definition

Psychological Assessment This is the gathering and integration of psychology-

related data for the purpose of making a psychological
evaluation that is accomplished through the use of
tools.

Psychological Testing This is the process of measuring psychology-related

variables by means of devices or procedures designed
to obtain a sample behavior

Educational Assessment Broadly refers to the use of tests and other tools to
evaluate skills and abilities relevant to success or
failure in a school or pre-school context

Retrospective Assessment The use of evaluative tools to draw conclusions about

psychological aspects of a person as they existed at
some point in time prior to assessment

Remote Assessment The use of tools of psychological evaluation to gather

data and draw conclusions about a subject who is not
in physical proximity to the person or people
conducting the evaluation.
 Key Term Definition

Ecological Momentary Assessment Refers to “in the moment” evaluation of specific

problems and related cognitive and behavioral
variables at the very time and place that they occurs.

Collaborative Psychological Assessment The assessor and assessee may work as “partners”
from initial contact through final feedback.

Therapeutic Psychological Assessment A collaborative approach to assessment where

therapeutic self-discovery and new understandings
are encouraged throughout the assessment process.

Dynamic Assessment Describe the interactive, changing, or varying nature

of the assessment and usually depends on the
situation. It follows the model of evaluation,
intervention, and another evaluation again. It is also
most typically applied in educational settings.

Test Can be defined simply as a measuring device or

procedure. If it comes with a modifier, test is a device
or procedure used to measure the variable related to
the modifier.

Psychological Test A device or procedure designed to measure variables

related to psychology

Format Form, plan, structure, arrangement, and layout of test

items as well as related considerations such as time
limits

Score A code or summary statement, usually not necessarily

numerical in nature, that reflects an evaluation of
 performance on a test, task, interview, or some other
sample of behavior

Scoring Process of assigning evaluative codes or statements to

performance on tests, tasks, interviews, or other
behavioral sample

Key Term Definition

Cut score A reference point, usually numerical, derived by

judgment and used to divide a set of data into two or
more classifications

Psychometric Soundness Technical quality of tests

Psychometrics The science of psychological measurement

Psychometrician A professional who uses, analyzes, and interprets

psychological test data.

Utility Usefulness or practical value of a test

Interview Method of gathering information through direct

communication involving reciprocal exchange

Panel Interview/Board Interview More than one interviewer participates in the

assessment. It also eliminates a lone form of biases.

Motivational Interviewing Therapeutic dialogue that combines person-centered

listening skills such as openness and empathy, with
the use of cognition-altering techniques designed to
positively affect motivation and effect therapeutic
change
 Portfolio May be used as a tool of evaluation and a compilation
of work products. Can be retained on paper, canvas,
film, video, audio, etc.

Case History Data Refers to records, transcripts, and other accounts in

written, pictorial, or other form that preserve archival
information, official and informal accounts, and other
data and items relevant to an assessee

Key Term Definition

case study Report or illustrative account concerning a person or

an event that was compiled on the basis of case
history data.

Groupthink Arises as a result of the varied forces that drive

decision-makers to reach a consensus.

Behavioral Observation Monitoring of actions of others or oneself by visual or

electronic means while recording quantitative and/or
qualitative information regarding those actions.

Observing behavior of humans in a natural setting

Acting in an improvised or partially improvised part in

a simulated situation

Role-Play Test Tool of assessment wherein assessees are directed to

act as if they were in a particular situation

Local Processing Computer scoring is done on-site

 Teleprocessing Test-related data may be sent to and returned from
the central location through phone lines

Simple Scoring Report Mere listing of score/s

Extended Scoring Report Listing of scores including a statistical analyses of the

testatker’s performance

Distinguished by its inclusion of numerical or narrative

interpretive statements in the report

Key Term Definition

Consultative Report High end report, usually written in language

appropriate for communication between assessment
professionals, may provide expert opinion concerning
analysis of the data

CAPA - Computer-Assisted Psychological Assessment This technology allows test users to administer tests
by means of two iPads connected by blue tooth. An
example is the Q Interactive of Pearson Assessments

CAT - Computer Adaptive Testing Reference to the computer’s ability to tailor the test to
the testtaker’s ability or test-taking pattern.

Psychological Autopsy A Reconstruction of a deceased individual’s

psychological profile on the basis of archival records,
artifacts, and interviews previously conducted with
the deceased assessee or the people who knew him or
her.

Achievement Test Evaluates accomplishment or the degree of learning

that has taken place
 Diagnosis Description or conclusion reached on the basis of
evidence and opinion

Diagnostic Test Tool of assessment used to help narrow down and

identify areas of deficit to be targeted for intervention

Informal Evaluation Typically nonsystematic assessment that leads to the

formation of an opinion or attitude

Quality of Life Variables that are related to perceived stress,

loneliness, sources of satisfaction, personal values,
quality of living conditions, and quality of friendships
and other social support

Dementia Loss of cognitive functioning (which may affect

memory, thinking, reasoning, psychomotor speed,
attention, and related abilities, as well as personality)
that occurs as the result of damage to or loss of brain
cells

Key Term Definition

Pseudodementia Cognitive functioning that mimics dementia

Protocol Refers to the form or sheet or booklet on which a set

testtaker’s responses are entered

Rapport A working relationship between examiner and

examinee

Alternate Assessment Evaluative or diagnostic procedure or process that

varies from the usual, customary, or standardized way
a measurement is derived either by virtue of some
special accommodation made to the assessee or by
 means of alternative methods designed to measure
the same variable

KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TESTING AND ASSESSMENT: Indicate which is applicable to Testing by
putting (T) and Assessment by putting (A)

1. The objective is typically to answer a referral question, solve a problem, or arrive at a decision through
the use of evaluation. A
2. The tester is not the key to the process. T
3. Typically, the process yields a test score or a series of test scores. T
4. This typically requires an educated selection of tools of evaluation, skill in evaluation, and thoughtful
organization and integration of data. A
5. It may be done individually or in groups. T
6. The assessor is the key to the process. A
7. One tester may be substituted for another. T
8. The process is done individually. A
9. The focus is on how an individual processes rather than simply the results of that processing. A
10. Entails logical problem-solving approach that uses different sources of data. A
 COMPARING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Fill out the table for each type of assessment method.
TYPE OF ASSESSMENT WHAT IT IS
METHOD
Test It is a measuring device or
procedure. When placed
with a modifier, it refers
to a device or procedure
designed to measure a
variable related to that
modifier
Interview It is used as a method of
gathering information
through direct
communication involving
reciprocal exchange.
THE PROS
It helps pinpoint areas for
improvement.
It clarifies the intensity of
the required intervention.
It assesses the person's
level of development in a
certain area.
It is useful in helping
professionals in human
resources to make more
informed
recommendations about
the hiring, firing, and
advancement of
personnel.
In clinical settings, it is
objective not only in the
gathering of information
from It is costly and time-
consuming. It may affect
how the interviewee
handles himself or
herself. For instance,
when the interviewee
saw that the interviewer's
face or reaction was bad,
he or she tends to lose his
or her confidence until
the interviewee, but
THE CONS
Some psychological tests
are low in psychometric
soundness.
Some tests are only
focused on the culture of
the place that it is
created; thus, it leads to
cultural bias.
It is costly and time-
consuming.
It may affect how the
interviewee handles
himself or herself. For
instance, when the
interviewee saw that the
interviewer's face or
reaction was bad, he or
she tends to lose his or
her confidence until the
interview is finished.
It provides less
anonymity.
 there's a targeted change
in the interviewee's
thinking and behavior.

Portfolio Work products such as By asking a person to The assessment takes

documents retained in
paper, canvas, film, video,
audio, or some other
medium
combine all of his or her time.
works, the assessee may
be able to know the Difficult to assess
consistency of the objectively.
person's skills.
Not easily quantified.
It can reflect a wide range
of skills and attributes.

Case History Data It refers to records,
transcripts, and other
accounts in written,
pictorial, or other forms
that preserve archival
information, official and
informal accounts, and
other data and items
relevant to an assessee.
It can shed light on an It can lead to bias during
individual's past and data collection, which can
current adjustment as later on influence results
well as on the events and more than in different
circumstances that may designs.
have contributed to any
changes in adjustment. It It is very difficult to draw
can be of critical value in a definite cause/effect.
neuropsychological
Incapable in replicating
evaluations, where it
because results are
often provides
primarily focused on the
information about
person who's being
neuropsychological
studied.
functioning prior to the
occurrence of a trauma or
other event that results in
a deficit.

Behavioral Observation It is the monitoring of
actions of others or
oneself by visual or
electronic means while
recording quantitative
and/or qualitative
It can be used as an aid in
identifying personnel
who best demonstrate
the abilities required to
perform a particular task
or job.
Outside variables are
difficult to control.
It can't consistently
produce accurate data.
 information regarding Behavioral observation as
those actions. an aid to designing
therapeutic intervention
has proven to be
extremely useful in
institutional settings such
as schools, hospitals,
prisons, and group
homes.
Role-Play Tests It is a tool of assessment It sheds a significant
wherein assesses are understanding o f how a
directed to act as if they person acts in real life
were in a particular situations.
situation.
It can indicate one's
current skill level.
It can conclude data that
are meant to be
subjective.
It takes time.
Limited usefulness.
It can't account for
observer bias.
It can easily make a
person feel
uncomfortable.
There's a possibility that
the one who is currently
assessed might not take it
seriously.
 IDENTIFYING WHO, WHAT, WHY, HOW, AND WHERE OF THE ASSESSMENT ENTERPRISE

Fill out the table and put bullet points pertaining to the who, what, why, how, and where of the assessment
enterprise.

WHO WHAT WHY HOW WHERE

● Test ● Educational 1. To measure Prior: ● Test

Developer Setting and observe a Catalogues
● Test User ● Clinical person's 1. The test user ● Test Manuals
● Test Taker Settings behavior to must know the ● Professional
● Society at ● Counseling arrive at a ethical guidelines, Books
large Settings diagnosis and how to use the test ● Reference
● Other ● Geriatic treatment. materials such as Volumes
● Parties Settings the "protocol" ● Journal
● Business and 2. To shed light properly, and Articles
● Military on the ensure that the ● Online
settings individual's level testing environment Databases
● Governmental of learning and is suited for the test
And other modifiers takers.
organizational depending on
what it intends During:
Setting
● Academic to measure.
1. The examiner
research must build rapport
3. To reflect a
Setting with the examinee.
wide range of
skills and
After:
attributes of an
individual. 1. Test users must
safeguard the test
4. To identify
protocols.
specific areas
that need key 2. They must
improvements. convey results in an
understandable
manner.
ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. Differentiate among a simple scoring report, an extended scoring report, an interpretive report, a
consultative report, and an integrative report. How are they different from each other?

A simple scoring report is merely composed of a listing of score or scores of the test taker's performance.
For an extended scoring report, it is more detailed since it includes a statistical analysis of an individual's
performance during the test. On the other hand, an interpretative report is composed of numerical or narrative
interpretive statements in the report. It does not only contain numbers and statistical analysis but as well as
meaningful statements that would shed an understanding of the results. The high end of it is called a consultative
report, which is also written in language appropriate for communication between professionals to provide
assessment and view with regards to the results. Lastly, an integrative report will consolidate all the previously
gathered data into the test report.

2. What are the pros and cons of CAPA? Focus on what you think are important.

One of the pros of using CAPA is that it is efficient, easy to use, and most importantly, it requires few
resources compared to the traditional testing which will need a stopwatch for time limit, a lot of pen, ink for the
printer, and papers to be used as a protocol. Also, it is excellent in keeping documents since it has a higher
standard of security compared to traditional testing, wherein a lot of people can have access. However, as useful
as it sounds, one of its cons is that it will not be available to everyone since it is not available for android and
windows users. There is no guarantee that everyone will have enough money to buy apple products; thus,
resulting in not having everyone be able to access the test.

3. What is the poorest source of information about tests? Why?

The poorest source of information about tests is the test catalog since it only provides a brief description
of the test and seldom uses technical information that a prospective user might require. Also, since it seeks to sell
the test, it might give biased comments and reviews to the user. Although it is one of the easiest sources of
information since it can be accessed just by a single telephone call, e-mail, or note, it is best to look at resources
where you can get highly critical reviews before investing not only time and effort but as well as money in
purchasing the test.

4. What is the best source of information about tests? Why?

The best source of information about tests is online databases. Educational Resources Information Center
(ERIC), is one of the most widely used bibliographic databases for testrelated publication. It contains a lot of
resources and news about tests, testing, and assessment. It also encourages responsible test use. Another best
source for the test is professional books since it contains highly critical comments and reviews of the test. It also
provides helpful guidelines for planning a pre-test interview with a particular assessee, or for drawing conclusions
and making inferences about the data derived from the test.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

References: Cohens, R.J. and Swerdlik. M. (2018). Psychological Testing and Assessment (9th ed.). United States of
America: McGraw-Hill Education.