Course Code : Z1870

Course Name : Psychometrics

Basic of measurement theory

Session 1-2
 Rules

assignments
Read

Active On time! ask

Rules
 Evaluation

Assignment
Mid Exam 20 %
30 %

Final Exam
50 %

Total
100 %
 What is this course about?

 Identify psychological phenomena as well as select the

relevant theoretical point of view and local/indigenous
perspective and, subsequently, analyze the phenomena
based on the selected theory and perspective
 Construct psychological tools
 Describe and to apply the ethics of psychology when
conducting their professional activities.
 Learning Objectives
• Define what measurement is and its
1 various aspects in psychological research

• Distinguish different types of psychological

test or scale and their classification.
2

• Analyze the test or scale items critically and

make comparison of test or scale items
3
 References

Raykov, Tenko & marcoulides, Geoge A. 2011.

Introduction psychometric theory, Rouletge . New
York . ISBN 0-203-84162-X

Linda Crocker and James Algina. 2008. Introduction

to Classical and Modern Test Theory. Cengage
Learning. Ohio. ISBN:978-0-495-39591-1
Basic of measurement theory
 TODAY’S OUTLINE

• Basic concept of psychological

measurement
• Type of psychological measurement
 Basic concept of psychological
measurement

Measurement is defined as ‘the assignment of numbers to

objects or events according to some rule (Steven 1951)

‘Assignment’ means matching, that is, numerals or numbers

are matched with/mapped on to entities or their attributes
according to some procedure
Rules are the most significant component of the measurement
process because the quality of measurement or the product of
the measurement process largely depends upon them.

Example

MA = Mental age
CA = Cronological age
Physical scientists use the term ‘property’ to delineate the
quality/quantity of any physical entity, social scientists prefer
the use of the term ‘attribute’ to designate the
quality/quantity of any human or social phenomenon.
Types of measurement scale
 Application of measurement theory
psychological research

In order to ascertain the extent, dimension or magnitude of

something, or to determine the attribute of something with
precision, scientists so often resort to measurement. This
helps them to obtain quantitative data or information about
objects, phenomena, systems or their attributes
Through measurement and quantification with the aid of
mathematical models and statistics, scientists are able to
distinguish objects or their properties, and predicate or
establish a relationship amongst them with a greater
degree of refinement and exactness.

N’ACH ACHIEVEMENT
 PROBLEMS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL
MEASUREMENTS

 Indirectness of Measurement
 Lack of Absolute Zero
 We Measure a Sample of Behavior not the Complete
Behavior
 Lack of Sufficient Stimulus/Responses Threshold
 Uncertainty and Desirability Involved in Human
Responses
 Variability of Human Attributes Over Time
 Problem of Quantification
 Individual differences, assessment &
psychometric testing

Test identify diffrences in number of ways, for example in

measuring different levels of clinical, forensics, educational
or neuropsychological problem, as well as in helping
commercial organization to select or develop their people
Competence in psychological assessment and
measurement relies on understanding of technical
information so that quantitative and verifiable
evidence is gained.
Basis of psychometrics lies in standardization,
reliability, and validity. Standardization provide
information about how group have responded to
assessment and enables a comparison between
high, average, and low scores.
Reliability provides information on accuracy of
scores and validity about what an instrument
measures.
Assessment material mostly measure abstract
concept and interpretation involves process in
inference. Both trait and state based assessment
instruments are available.
Traits represent relatively constant and stable,
enduring characteristics of individual, whilst states
are made up of more transient characteristics.
 Type of measurement

Maximum
Performances
measure
Test
Typical Performances
measure
Maximum Performances test typified by an
aptitude or achievement test on which examinees
are instructed to do their best.
Typical performance test (as on questionnaires or
inventories where re­spondents report their typical
feelings, attitudes, interests , or reactions to
situations)
 Steps involved in test construction

1. Identify the primary purpose(s) for which the test scores

will be used
2. Identify behaviors that represent the construct or define
the domain
3. Prepare a set of test specifications, delineating the
proportion of items that should focus on each type of
behavior identified in step 2
4. Construct an initial pool of items
5. Have items reviewed (and revise as necessary)
6. Hold preliminary item tryouts (and revise as necessary)
7. Field-test the items on a large sample representative of
the examinee population for whom the test is intended
8. Determine statistical properties of item scores and,
when appropriate , eliminate items that do not meet
pre-established criteria
9. Design and conduct reliability and validity studies for
the formal form of the test
10.Develop guidelines for administration, scoring , and
interpretation of the test scores (e .g. , prepare norm
tables, suggest recommended cutting scores or
standards for performance, etc.)