POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

Master of Arts in Psychology

Advanced Psychological Assessment
1 Semester, SY 2023-2024
st

Name: Lee Ann A. Maca

Date submitted: October 30, 2023
Research Journal #1

From 2018 onwards, you can search for published research in professional
journals/publications about the topic "Current Trends in Psychological
Assessment". You are required to attach the research journal as part of your
assignment’s supporting materials.

You are required/asked to respond as thoroughly and analytically as possible,

citing your knowledge and comprehension of the topics and concerns presented
in the research, as well as any psychological theories or other social sciences
theories to which you may be able to relate. You may answer directly to the
template below.

Q1 Title of the Research: Psychological Testing and Assessments are

going high-tech, Assessments using virtual reality correlate with
findings from traditional paper- and – pencil measures of function in
people with ADHD
Researcher: By Kirsten Weir
Date and Place of publications: July/August 2018, Vol 49, No. 7, APA
Population: Research has shown that assessments using virtual reality correlate with
findings from traditional paper-and-pencil measures of function in people with ADHD
Methods of Research: Virtual reality (VR) technology is being utilized to assess
cognitive abilities and attentional problems in individuals, particularly those with ADHD.
Researchers are creating virtual environments that simulate real-world scenarios to
evaluate performance and pinpoint specific attentional issues
Research Questions:

1. How can virtual reality assessments enhance traditional psychological testing

methods?
 2. What are the benefits and challenges associated with integrating VR technology
into psychological assessments?
3. Can virtual reality assessments accurately correlate with findings from traditional
paper-and-pencil measures in individuals with ADHD?

 Instruments used: Virtual reality headsets and simulations to create real-world

scenarios for assessment.
 Traditional neuropsychological tests for comparison purposes.
Research Findings: Virtual reality assessments have shown promising results in correlating
with traditional measures of function in individuals with ADHD, providing a more ecologically
valid approach to assessing cognitive abilities and attentional problems.
The use of VR technology in psychological assessments offers a new dimension to testing by
incorporating real-world elements into the evaluation process, potentially improving the
accuracy and relevance of assessment outcomes.
 Recommendation:
 Researchers emphasize the need for further validation of virtual reality
assessments to ensure their reliability and effectiveness before widespread
adoption.
 Continued research is essential to explore the full potential of VR technology in
psychological assessments, addressing challenges related to data security,
privacy, and the validation of new assessment tools

Q2. What are the gaps in the research undertaken, based on the
research journal you read (assignment)?

Validation and Reliability:

 There is a need for further research to validate the effectiveness and reliability of
virtual reality assessments compared to traditional paper-and-pencil measures.
While VR technology shows promise in correlating with traditional assessments,
more studies are required to establish its validity across diverse populations and
settings
Standardization and Norms:
 Establishing standardized norms and protocols for virtual reality assessments is
crucial to ensure consistency and comparability of results. Research should focus
on developing standardized procedures for administering VR assessments and
 interpreting the data obtained to enhance the reliability and validity of these
tools
Ethical and Privacy Concerns:
 The integration of high-tech assessments like VR raises ethical concerns related
to data security, privacy, and informed consent. Future research should address
these ethical considerations to ensure that virtual reality assessments adhere to
ethical guidelines and protect the rights and confidentiality of individuals
undergoing such assessments
Diversity and Inclusivity:
 Research gaps exist in exploring the effectiveness of virtual reality assessments
across diverse populations, including individuals from different cultural
backgrounds, age groups, and clinical conditions. Studies focusing on the
inclusivity of VR assessments and their applicability to a wide range of
individuals are essential to ensure equitable access to innovative assessment
tools
Long-Term Efficacy:
 Further research is needed to investigate the long-term efficacy of virtual reality
assessments in monitoring cognitive abilities, attentional problems, and other
psychological functions over extended periods. Longitudinal studies can provide
insights into the sustainability and effectiveness of VR-based assessments
compared to traditional methods

Q3. Is the research's outcome generalizable or limited to the location

where it was conducted? Justify your answer.
Based on these findings, it can be inferred that the outcomes of research on high-tech
psychological testing using virtual reality are generalizable and have implications that
extend beyond the locations where the studies were conducted. The comparability to real-
life testing, scalability of VR systems, expert optimism, technological advancements, and
validation studies all contribute to supporting the broader applicability and generalizability
of VR-based psychological assessments.

Q4. Select/choose a finding in the research that is worth sharing and

discussing in class. Give your personal thought in relation to our
subject/class course. What benefit it may give in the practice of
psychological assessment.
 Finding Worth Sharing and Discussing in Class
One significant finding worth sharing and discussing in class from the research on
virtual reality (VR) in psychological assessment is the correlation between VR
assessments and traditional paper-and-pencil measures of function in people with
ADHD. This finding holds immense value in the practice of psychological
assessment for several reasons:

As a student in our psychology course, this finding resonates with the evolving landscape of
psychological assessment, showcasing how technology like VR can enhance traditional
assessment methods. The ability of VR assessments to correlate with established measures
opens up new possibilities for more ecologically valid and engaging assessments,
especially for individuals with ADHD. This finding highlights the potential of integrating
high-tech tools into psychological practice to improve assessment accuracy and relevance.
By discussing this finding in class, we can explore the implications of incorporating VR
technology into psychological assessment practices, understand its benefits for assessing
individuals with ADHD, and reflect on the broader impact of high-tech tools on the future
of psychological testing and evaluation.

Q5. Please answer the reflective questions below. Note Follow the same
rubric in answering this reflective assignment.

Rubric for creating lesson reflections.

At the start of your paragraph, use the pronoun "I." Own the statement as
much as possible. Avoid using the word "you." In your reflections, please
answer the following questions. Each heading of your answer must
include the questions.

Your remarks should include at least 3–5 scholarly references (a

book, a website of an academic or professional group, a law, or
verified news). It is necessary to use APA citation style.

1. What are some of the ways I'm starting to think differently? (As a result
of the research assignment)
As a result of the research assignment on psychological testing and assessments going
high-tech, particularly the correlation between virtual reality (VR) assessments and
traditional measures for individuals with ADHD, I find myself thinking differently in
several ways:
1. Embracing Technological Advancements: I am increasingly open to embracing
innovative technologies like VR in psychological assessments, recognizing their
potential to enhance the accuracy and relevance of traditional assessment
methods.
2. Focus on Real-World Applications: I am now more inclined to consider the
practical applications of psychological testing, especially in creating virtual
environments that simulate real-life scenarios for more ecologically valid
assessments.
3. Inclusivity and Tailored Interventions: My perspective has shifted towards the
importance of inclusivity in psychological testing and the benefits of tailored
interventions based on VR assessments for addressing specific attentional
problems in individuals with ADHD.
4. Future-Proofing Assessment Methods: I am now more aware of the need to
adapt to technological advancements in the field of psychological assessment,
understanding how integrating high-tech tools like VR can improve assessment
methodologies over time.
5. Ethical Considerations: The research has prompted me to consider ethical
concerns related to data security, privacy, and informed consent when using
high-tech assessment tools like VR, highlighting the importance of upholding
ethical standards in psychological practice.
Overall, this research assignment has broadened my perspective on
psychological assessment by highlighting the transformative potential of
technology like VR, encouraging me to explore new ways of conducting
assessments that are more accurate, inclusive, and aligned with advancements in
the field.

2. What do I want to learn more about? (As a result of the research

assignment)

As a result of the research assignment on psychological testing and assessments going

high-tech, particularly the correlation between virtual reality (VR) assessments and
traditional measures for individuals with ADHD, I am eager to learn more about the
following aspects:
1. Validation of VR Assessments: I am interested in delving deeper into the
research needed to validate VR assessments and understand how these
 assessments can reliably correlate with traditional measures across different
populations and settings
1
.
2. Real-World Applications of VR: I want to explore how VR assessments, such as
virtual classrooms, can be effectively used to predict real-life outcomes like
returning to work or classroom performance for individuals with ADHD and
other clinical conditions
1
.
3. Ethical Considerations in High-Tech Assessments: I aim to gain a better
understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding the use of high-tech
assessment tools like VR, particularly related to data security, privacy, and
informed consent
4
.
4. Innovative Assessment Tools: I am curious about the potential benefits of
integrating VR technology into psychological assessments, including how these
tools can provide more ecologically valid insights into cognitive abilities and
attentional functions
1

4
.
5. Challenges and Future Directions: I am keen on exploring the challenges that
must be addressed before high-tech assessment tools like VR are more widely
adopted in psychological practice, as well as the future directions of
technological advancements in psychological assessment
3

4
.
By further exploring these areas of interest, I aim to deepen my knowledge and
understanding of how virtual reality is reshaping the field of psychological
 assessment, leading to more effective and innovative approaches in evaluating
cognitive functions and mental health conditions.

3. Awakenings and Awakenings (As a result of the research

assignment)
What did you learn from the assignment that you can apply to your
studies and career?

From the research assignment on psychological testing and assessments going high-
tech, particularly the correlation between virtual reality (VR) assessments and traditional
measures for individuals with ADHD, I have learned valuable insights that I can apply to
both my studies and future career:
1. Embracing Technological Advancements: The research has highlighted the
transformative potential of technology like VR in enhancing psychological
assessments. I can incorporate this knowledge into my studies by exploring how
innovative tools can improve assessment accuracy and relevance, preparing me
for a career that embraces technological advancements in psychological practice.
2. Real-World Applications of VR: Understanding how VR assessments correlate
with real-life outcomes for individuals with ADHD has shown me the practical
applications of psychological testing. This knowledge can guide me in designing
assessments that simulate real-world scenarios, ensuring more ecologically valid
evaluations in my studies and future career.
3. Ethical Considerations: The research emphasized the importance of ethical
considerations when using high-tech assessment tools like VR, particularly
regarding data security and privacy. I can integrate this awareness into my
studies by critically evaluating the ethical implications of technological
advancements in psychological assessment, preparing me to navigate ethical
challenges in my future career.
4. Innovative Assessment Tools: Learning about the benefits of integrating VR
technology into psychological assessments has sparked my interest in exploring
innovative assessment tools. I can further investigate how virtual environments
can provide more nuanced insights into cognitive functions and attentional
issues, enhancing my understanding of cutting-edge assessment methodologies.
5. Challenges and Future Directions: The research highlighted the challenges and
future directions of high-tech assessment tools like VR. By considering these
aspects in my studies, I can develop a forward-thinking approach to
psychological assessment, anticipating future trends and advancements that will
shape the field during my career.
 Overall, the research assignment has equipped me with knowledge that I can apply
to my studies by incorporating technological advancements, emphasizing real-
world applications, addressing ethical considerations, exploring innovative tools,
and preparing for future challenges and developments in psychological assessment
practices throughout my career journey.

References:

1. APA Monitor - CE Corner:

o Source: APA Monitor - CE Corner
o Summary: This source discusses how assessments using virtual reality
correlate with traditional measures of function in people with ADHD,
highlighting the optimism surrounding the adoption of VR technology in
psychological assessments.
2. APA - Psychological Testing Assessment PDF:
o Source: APA - Psychological Testing Assessment PDF
o Summary: This PDF explores the correlation between virtual reality
assessments and traditional measures, emphasizing the potential benefits
of integrating VR technology into psychological assessments.
3. ResearchGate - Assessing the Suitability of Virtual Reality for Psychological
Testing:
o Source: ResearchGate - Assessing the Suitability of Virtual Reality for
Psychological Testing
o Summary: This research assesses the suitability of virtual reality for
psychological testing, demonstrating that VR responses are comparable to
real-life testing, showcasing the utility of VR in psychological assessment
studies.
4. APA Education & Career - Psychological Testing Assessments are Going
High-Tech:
o Source: APA Education & Career - Psychological Testing Assessments are
Going High-Tech
 o Summary: This source discusses how virtual system assessments correlate
with traditional measures in individuals with ADHD, emphasizing the real-
world element that virtual environments add to psychological tests.
5. PsycNET APA Record:
o Source: PsycNET APA Record
o Summary: This record assesses the suitability of virtual reality for
psychological testing, highlighting VR technology as an inexpensive and
mainstream tool that allows for comprehensive examinations.