Psychology of Testing

Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of norms or standards in psychological testing?

To provide a basis for interpreting an examinee's test score by comparing it with the scores obtained by others on the same test.

What is a crucial aspect in the selection and testing of a standardization sample?

The sample must be representative of the population for whom the test is intended.

What is the main characteristic of a standardized procedure in psychological testing?

The procedure for administering the test is uniform from one examiner and setting to another.

What is the purpose of a psychological test, according to the content?

To sample behavior and describe it with categories or scores, and to predict other, more important behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the essential features of most psychological tests?

Standardized procedure, behavior sample, scores or categories, norms or standards, and prediction of non-test behavior. Signup and view all the answers

How do test developers provide norms for a psychological test?

By summarizing test results for a large and representative group of subjects. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of test measures an individual's ability in relatively global areas?

Intelligence Tests Signup and view all the answers

Neuropsychological tests are used to measure personality traits.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of test measures a person's degree of learning or success in a subject or task?

Achievement Tests Signup and view all the answers

Interest inventories measure an individual's preference for certain __________ or topics.

activities Signup and view all the answers

Which type of test assesses novel, original thinking?

Creativity Tests Signup and view all the answers

Group tests are administered one on one.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of tests with their purposes:

Aptitude Tests = Measure capability for a specific task or skill Achievement Tests = Measure degree of learning or success in a subject or task Personality Tests = Measure traits, qualities, or behaviors that determine individuality Signup and view all the answers

What type of test measures the traits, qualities, or behaviors that determine a person's individuality?

Personality Tests Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Defining Features of Psychological Tests

A test is a standardized procedure for sampling behavior and describing it with categories or scores.
Most tests have norms or standards by which the results can be used to predict other, more important behaviors.

Standardized Procedure

A test is considered standardized if the procedures for administering it are uniform from one examiner and setting to another.
Standardization ensures that the test is administered consistently, allowing for reliable results.

Norms or Standards

Norms provide a summary of test results for a large and representative group of subjects.
An examinee's test score is usually interpreted by comparing it with the scores obtained by others on the same test.

Standardization Sample

The selection and testing of the standardization sample is crucial to the usefulness of a test.
The standardization sample must be representative of the population for whom the test is intended.
If the sample is not representative, it is not possible to determine an examinee's relative standing.

Types of Tests

Tests can be categorized into two groups: group tests and individual tests
Group tests are designed for large groups and are typically pencil-and-paper measures
Individual tests are administered one on one due to their design and purpose

Main Types of Psychological Tests

Intelligence Tests

Measure an individual's ability in global areas such as verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, and reasoning
Help determine potential for scholastic work or certain occupations

Aptitude Tests

Measure the capability for a specific task or type of skill
A narrow form of ability testing

Achievement Tests

Measure a person's degree of learning, success, or accomplishment in a subject or task

Creativity Tests

Assess novel, original thinking and the capacity to find unusual or unexpected solutions
Especially useful for vaguely defined problems

Personality Tests

Measure traits, qualities, or behaviors that determine a person's individuality
Include checklists, inventories, and projective techniques

Interest Inventories

Measure an individual's preference for certain activities or topics
Help determine occupational choice

Behavioral Procedures

Objectively describe and count the frequency of a behavior
Identify the antecedents and consequences of the behavior

Neuropsychological Tests

Measure cognitive, sensory, perceptual, and motor performance
Determine the extent, locus, and behavioral consequences of brain damage

Description

A standardized procedure for sampling behavior and describing it with categories or scores. Defining features of psychological tests include standardized procedure, behavior sample, scores or categories, norms or standards, and prediction of non-test behavior.