What are the differences between psychological testing and assessment?
Understand the Problem
The text outlines the differences between psychological testing and assessment, highlighting the objectives, processes, roles of evaluators, skills required, and outcomes of each.
Answer
Psychological testing yields numerical scores from standardized tests, while psychological assessment is a broader, individualized evaluation process integrating multiple data sources to address specific questions.
Psychological testing typically involves administering standardized tests to measure specific attributes, such as intelligence or personality traits, and yields numerical scores. Psychological assessment is a broader, individualized approach aimed at understanding the overall functioning of an individual, which integrates multiple data sources to address specific questions or problems.
Answer for screen readers
Psychological testing typically involves administering standardized tests to measure specific attributes, such as intelligence or personality traits, and yields numerical scores. Psychological assessment is a broader, individualized approach aimed at understanding the overall functioning of an individual, which integrates multiple data sources to address specific questions or problems.
More Information
Psychological testing might include activities like IQ tests, personality questionnaires, or skill assessments. Psychological assessment, however, encompasses interviews, tests, observation, and review of records to form a comprehensive understanding.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the terms and believing they are interchangeable. Remember that testing is a subset of the broader assessment process.
Sources
- Understanding psychological testing and assessment - APA - apa.org
- Psychological Testing and Evaluation - Psychology Today - psychologytoday.com
