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Testing in Clinical Psychology
PSYC 350
Chapter 5
What is a test?
Systematic procedure for observing and describing a person’s behavior in a standard
situation
Two principles that facilitate the elimination of extraneous variables
Objectivity
Standardization
What do tests in clinical psychology measure?
Intellectual or cognitive abilities
Attitudes, interests, preferences, and values
Psychopathology and personality characteristics
How are tests constructed?
Analytic Approach
Empirical Approach
Sequential System Approach
Score Interpretation
Based on a NORM: the scores of others (such as the standardization sample)
Compared to an external CRITERION
(like level of proficiency,)
Or IPSATIVE MEASUREMENT: comparing one’s scores to him/herself
(pre- and post-treatment measurement)
How to minimize distortion in test scores?
Develop clear, simple instructions for examiners and test takers; and answer any
questions
Extensive pilot testing and studying response tendencies (building indicators of
response bias into the test)
Enlisting the participation of outside experts in test bias
Paying careful attention to the circumstances under which testing takes place
Cultural Fairness and Bias
Both before and during the test
The 80% , or four-fifths rule
The test is declared as biased if there is a difference of 20 % or more between
the mean scores of majority and minority groups on a particular test item
Ethical Standards in Testing
Competence
Professional responsibility
Respect for rights and dignity
Concern for others’ welfare
Social responsibility and access to test materials
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Testing in Clinical Psychology
PSYC 350
Chapter 5
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Quality Indicators of a Test
Good consistency, reliability, validity
High clinical utility
Test norms based on large representative samples
Theories of Intellectual Functioning
General Intelligence Model
“g” general notion of intelligence as an underlying biological or psychological
trait
Multiple Specific Intelligences Model
is better understood by a collection of specific abilities rather a single factor
Triarchic Theory (Sternberg) – analytical, creative, practical
Hierarchical and Factor Analytic Model
Separate and general cognitive abilities are related to each other in a hierarchical
fashion
About Intelligence Tests
Alfred Binet
Father of intelligence testing
“Intelligence Quotient”
Most popular test of intelligence:
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale: WAIS-III
Other Tests
Tests of attitudes, interests, preferences, and values
Tests of psychopathology and personality
Objective and projective
Current Status
Medical and psychological testing are comparable in terms of validity
Clinical utility/treatment utility tests have been developed and these efforts have to be
continued.