Psychological Assessment vs. Testing

Psychological assessment involves gathering and integrating psychology-related data to make a psychological evaluation. This is done using tools like tests, interviews, case studies, behavioral observation, and specialized apparatuses.

• Psychological testing involves administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological tests.
• Psychological tests are tools that evaluate abilities, personality, attitudes, and psychological functioning.

Key Differences Between Psychological Assessment and Testing

• Psychological assessment is broader than psychological testing.
• Assessment integrates information from multiple sources.
• Psychological testing is a component of psychological assessment.
• The objective of testing is to get a numerical or evaluative index.
• The objective of assessment is to answer a referral question, solve a problem, or make a decision using evaluation tools.
• Testing can be individual or group-based.
• Assessment is typically individualized.
• In testing, procedures are standardized.
• In assessment, the assessor may evaluate processing and content.
• Testing needs technician-like skills.
• Assessment requires educated tool selection, skill in evaluation, and data integration.
• Testing yields test scores.
• Assessment uses a logical problem-solving approach with data to address the referral question.

The Assessment Process

• A referral question is received to begin the process.
• The assessor reviews background information to determine the assessment's scope.
• Tests or assessment procedures are selected.
• A formal assessment is then conducted.
• Data is interpreted to answer the referral question.
• Recommendations are made based on the interpretation.

Tools of Psychological Assessment

• Psychological tests, interviews, case studies, behavioral observation, and other tools are used.

The Psychological Test

• Psychological tests evaluate psychology-related variables.
• Tests vary in content, format, administration, scoring, and interpretation.
• Content refers to the test's subject matter.
• Format includes the test's form, plan, structure, arrangement, layout, and time limits.
• Administration involves standardized conditions like directions, time limits, and materials.
• Scoring assigns evaluative codes to test performance.
• Interpretation involves making meaning from test scores.

Types of Tests

• Individual tests are administered one-on-one.
• Group tests can be administered to multiple people at once.
• Ability tests measure skills, knowledge, and aptitude.
• Achievement tests measure what someone has learned.
• Aptitude tests measure a person's potential for learning a specific skill.
• Intelligence tests measure general intellectual ability.
• Personality tests measure personality traits.
• Objective personality tests use multiple-choice or true-false items.
• Projective personality tests use ambiguous stimuli for responses.

The Interview

• Interviews gather information through direct communication and exchange.
• They vary in purpose, structure, and content.
• Interviews can gather background information, assess current functioning, or inform diagnostic decisions.

The Case Study

• A case study is a report about a person or event based on case history data.
• Case history data includes records, transcripts, and other relevant information.
• Case studies can include an individual's history, present status, and potential future.

Behavioral Observation

• Involves monitoring actions visually or electronically, recording quantitative or qualitative data.
• Can occur in natural or controlled environments.
• Naturalistic observation occurs in typical environments.
• Controlled observation occurs in simulated settings.

Other Tools

• Role-play tests involve acting out assigned roles.
• Computers assist in test administration, scoring, and interpretation.
• Biofeedback equipment provides information about physiological functioning.

Who, What, Why, Where, When, and How?

• Parties involved include test developers, test users, test takers, and society.
• Assessments are conducted in schools, clinics, hospitals, private practices, courts, the military, government agencies, and research labs.
• Assessments screen for conditions, diagnose disorders, assist in treatment planning, evaluate interventions, and aid in selection/classification and research.
• Assessments occur at various times, such as before, during, or after treatment.
• They use tools like tests, interviews, case studies, and behavioral observation.
• Assessments are standardized for consistency.