An Introduction to Psychological Testing Term Paper by jlatigue

An Introduction to Psychological Testing
A look at how tests are used in the field of psychology.
# 149514 | 1,192 words | 3 sources | APA | 2011 | US
Published on Dec 21, 2011 in Psychology (Testing)


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Description:

The paper addresses the basic assumptions in psychological testing and the five major categories of psychological testing that include mental ability tests, achievement tests, objective personality tests, vocational interest measures and neuropsychological tests. The paper also looks at the uses, users, validity and reliability of testing.

Outline:
Basic Assumptions
Major Categories
Uses and Users
Reliability and Validity
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Testing is scientific in nature, and to be able to use testing within the field of psychology this means that human behavior must be able to be tested. Individual traits and characteristics of humans must be measurable and psychologists must be able to quantify the results of psychological tests conducted. Traits must differ from person to person in such a way that measuring them would clearly be able to show the different aspects of the individuals tested (Hogan, 2007). Psychologists would not disagree that different traits and different psychological states exist in human behavior, but it can be hard to quantify since these traits and states are qualities that are not tangible. Traits such as intelligence, dependency, or depression obviously exist, but it would be jumping to conclusions for a psychologist to state that a patient looks depressed based on crying or appearing tired. According to Psychological Testing and Assessment (2003-2005), "What we actually see are the behaviors that have been theorized to be associated with depression, so we infer that the depression exists" (Assumptions, para. 1). Another major assumption in psychological testing is that tests are biased and not given in a fair manner. Despite this assumption, there are good tests and assessments available and it is ultimately up the person administering the test to have the knowledge to properly use the test and get unbiased results."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • Franklin, D. (1999-2010). Psychological Testing. Retrieved from http://drdonaldfranklin.com/psychotherapy/testing.html
  • Hogan, T.P. (2007). Psychological testing: A practical introduction (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
  • Psychological Testing and Assessment. (2003-2005). Retrieved from http://cdis.missouri.edu/exec/data/courses2/2207/lessons/lesson01/textonly.asp

Cite this Term Paper:

APA Format

An Introduction to Psychological Testing (2011, December 21) Retrieved November 28, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/an-introduction-to-psychological-testing-149514/

MLA Format

"An Introduction to Psychological Testing" 21 December 2011. Web. 28 November. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/an-introduction-to-psychological-testing-149514/>

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