10 Questions
What is the primary purpose of the information provided in a test description?
To help test users decide whether a test is suitable for their purposes
What is the main difference between the User's Guide and the Technical Manual in a test manual?
The User's Guide provides information that test users need to administer and interpret the test, while the Technical Manual provides a summary of the construction process and relevant research
What is the primary focus of the updated Cotan version?
Updating the test descriptions to include computer-based tests
What is the purpose of the norms in a test?
To determine the scoring on test results in raw scores
What is the role of the two anonymous, independent raters in the test evaluation process?
To evaluate the test based on expert knowledge of the specific type of test
What is the primary purpose of establishing norms in a psychological test?
To provide a reference point for evaluating individual test-takers
Why is it important to have a large sample size when establishing norms for a psychological test?
To ensure that the norms are representative of the population being measured
What is the primary advantage of using a standardized psychological test?
It provides a uniform way of administering and scoring the test
What is the primary focus of the Dutch Committee on Testing (COTAN)?
Evaluating the quality of psychological tests
What is the term for the ability of a psychological test to measure what it is intended to measure?
Validity
Study Notes
Psychological Test
- A standardized measurement of a sample of behavior that provides an established reference point to evaluate, judge, and compare test-takers.
Establishing Norms
- Norms are established based on the number of test-takers who take a given test to determine what is normal in the group.
- The larger the sample, the better the norms will be.
- Norms rely on the number of test-takers to establish a reference point for scorers to determine where an individual falls within the group.
Test Items
- Test items are the questions asked on a test that correspond to what the test is trying to discover about the test-taker.
- Test items must be relevant to what the test is trying to measure.
- A large set of test items is necessary to establish a proper measurement.
- More questions provide more chances of establishing what a test-taker knows and does not know.
Uniformity of Procedures
- Administrators present the test in the same way to ensure uniformity.
- Test-takers take the test in the same way to ensure uniformity.
- Scorers score the test in the same way to ensure uniformity.
- Uniformity helps with validity and reliability.
Validity and Reliability
- Validity refers to testing exactly what one is trying to discover.
- Reliability refers to being able to recreate the same or similar outcome every time the test is taken.
COTAN (Dutch Committee on Testing of the Dutch Psychological Association)
- Evaluates the quality of tests on seven criteria: theoretical basis, quality of testing materials, comprehensiveness of the manual, norms, reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity.
- Longitudinal results show a steady increase of average test quality, but the quality of norms and research on criterion validity is still a concern.
Documentation of Tests and Test Research
- Contains a description of all tests available in the Netherlands and abstracts of research conducted with these tests.
- A criterion for the tests is that there is at least some research in Dutch samples on norms, reliability, or validity published.
Description of Tests by COTAN
- Has a fixed format concerning 8 characteristics: target groups, constructs to be measured, availability/publisher, administration procedure, time needed for administration, content, scoring, and references.
Test Evaluation
- Tests are evaluated by two anonymous, independent raters who are experts with respect to the specific type of test, the theory underlying test construction, and the practical use of the test.
- The total score/outcome can be insufficient, sufficient, or good.
Updated COTAN Version
- Concentrated on adapting the texts of all criteria to apply to both paper-and-pencil tests and computer-based tests.
- Extended the items and recommendations for each criterion to include new developments and update old techniques.
Learn about standardized measurement of behavior in psychological tests, how norms are established, and how scorers evaluate individual results against the reference point.
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