Psychology Chapter 1: Testing vs Assessment

Study Notes

Testing vs. Assessment

Psychological testing involves administering, scoring, and interpreting tests, whereas psychological assessment is a broader problem-solving process.
Assessment methods vary based on the objectives and unique circumstances of the individual or situation.
Clear distinctions exist between testing and assessment in terms of objectives, processes, outcomes, and evaluator roles.

Objectives

Testing focuses on obtaining numerical gauges of ability or attributes.
Assessment aims to address specific referral questions, solve problems, or inform decisions using varied evaluation tools.

Processes

Testing can be individual or group-based, often resulting in a simple tally of correct responses without detailed analysis.
Assessment is individualized, emphasizing how information is processed rather than just the outcomes.

Evaluator Role

In testing, the role of the tester is minimal; exchangeability among testers does not significantly impact results.
In assessment, the assessor is crucial for choosing appropriate tests and synthesizing evaluation data.

Skills Required

Testing generally requires technical skills for administering tests and scoring results.
Assessment demands educated choice of tools, evaluative skills, and the ability to integrate diverse data sources.

Outcomes

Testing typically results in a numerical score or scores.
Assessment results in a systematic, logical approach to answering referral questions, often drawing from multiple data sources.

Referral Questions

Assessors often address specific referral inquiries, such as:
- Can this child function in a regular classroom?
- Is this defendant competent to stand trial?
- How well can this employee perform if promoted?

Preparation for Assessment

Assessors may meet with the assessee or others prior to formal evaluation to clarify referral reasons.
Selection of assessment tools is influenced by the context (e.g., corporate vs. military) and specific referral questions, such as assessing leadership abilities.
The assessor’s background—experience, education, and training—plays a critical role in the assessment process.

Description

This quiz explores the differences between psychological testing and assessment, highlighting their definitions and purposes. Understand how the assessment process varies based on multiple factors, including evaluation tools and problems. Test your knowledge on psychological evaluation methods!