Psychological Testing- Theory and Application

Psychological Testing- Theory And Applications

(EP: 102-As per SPPU 2024-25 syllabus)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES –To acquaint the students with-

1. Ethical considerations of testing in practice.
2. Psychometric theory and properties in detail.
3. The process of standardization and psychological test construction.
4. Tests from different areas and applied fields.

LEARNING OUTCOMES- Students will be able to-

1. Observe ethical considerations of testing in practice.
2. Analyze the types of reliability/ validity/ norms of the test.
3. Follow standardized procedure for test construction.
4. Apply theoretical understanding of psychological tests to different applied fields.

1.0. BASICS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS 

• Measurement & Evaluation- Scales of measurement, Physical measurement Vs. Psychological measurement
• Psychological Tests- Definitions, Classification, Uses, Limitations
• Item analysis, Item Response Theory (IRT), Item Characteristic Curve (ICC)
• Standardized psychological test development procedure
• Ethical considerations in testing

2.0. PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES 

• Correlation, Types
• Pearson ‘r’ as coefficient
• Reliability- Concept, Test- retest, Parallel forms, Internal consistency, Inter- rater
• Validity- Concept, Construct, Criterion (Concurrent/ Predictive), Content
• Norms- Concept, Norm- referenced Vs. Criterion- referenced tests, Developmental norms, within- group norms

3.0. ABILITY TESTING: TESTING IN EDUCATIONAL & INDUSTRIAL SETTINGS

• Intelligence tests- Concept of IQ, Wechsler scales (WPPSI/ WISC/ WAIS), Raven’s matrices (CPM/ SPM/ APM), CFIT, Binet- Kamat Test (BKT)
• Aptitude tests- DAT, GATB, SAT
• Employee selection- Concepts of base rate and hit rate, Taylor- Russell tables
• Situational testing, In- basket exercises
• MBTI, FIRO-B

4.0. PERSONALITY TESTING & OTHER TESTS 

• Tests based on deductive approach- WPDS, EPPS
• Tests based on empirical approach- MMPI, 16 PF
• SVIB, STAI/ STAXI, Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), Passi test of creativity
• Projective techniques
• Computerized testing: Procedure, administration, scoring and interpretation.

BOOKS FOR READINGS

1. Anastasi, A. & Urbina, S. (1997). Psychological testing. N.D.: Pearson Education.
2. Kaplan, R.M. & Saccuzzo, D.P. (2007). Psychological Testing: Principles, Applications, and Issues. Australia: Thomson Wadsworth.
3. Gregory, R.J. (2005). Psychological testing: History, principles and applications. New Delhi: Pearson Education.
4. Singh, A.K. (2006). Tests, Measurements and Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences. Patna: Bharati Bhavan.
5. Nunnally, J.C. (1981). Psychometric theory. NY: Tata McGraw-Hill
6. Ghiselli, E.E. and Campbell, J.P., Zedek, S. (1981). Measurement theory for the behavioral sciences. W.H. Freeman.
7. Freeman, F.S. 3rd ed. (1965). Psychological testing. New Delhi: Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.
8. Cronbach, L. J. 5th ed. (1990). Essentials of psychological testing. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
9. Murphy, K. R., Davidshofer, R. K. (1988): Psychological testing: Principles and applications. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Inc.
10. Aiken L.R. (1996) Rating Scales and Checklists: Evaluating Behavior, Personality and Attitudes.

FAQ for Psychological Testing

1. What is psychological testing?

Psychological testing involves the use of standardized instruments and techniques to measure an individual’s cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and personality traits. These assessments are often conducted by licensed psychologists and are used to gather information for diagnosis, treatment planning, educational placement, or personal development.

2. What are the different types of psychological tests?

• Cognitive Tests- Measure intellectual functioning, problem-solving skills, and memory (e.g., IQ tests like the WAIS or WISC).
• Personality Tests- Assess personality traits, attitudes, and emotional functioning (e.g., MMPI, Big Five Inventory).
• Neuropsychological Tests- Evaluate brain function related to memory, attention, and executive functioning.
• Behavioral Assessments- Focus on observing and measuring specific behaviors in different contexts.
• Achievement and Aptitude Tests- Measure academic skills and abilities (e.g., SAT, ACT).
• Diagnostic Tests- Help identify mental health conditions (e.g., Beck Depression Inventory).

Read More- Neuropsychological Notes

3. Why is psychological testing important?

Psychological testing helps-

• Diagnose mental health disorders.
• Develop effective treatment plans.
• Provide insights into strengths and weaknesses.
• Aid in academic or career decision-making.
• Measure progress in therapy or rehabilitation.

4. Who can administer psychological tests?

Psychological tests are typically administered by licensed psychologists or professionals with specialized training in psychological assessment. In some cases, graduate-level trainees may conduct tests under supervision.

5. How long does psychological testing take?

The duration of testing varies based on the type and purpose:

• Brief Screenings- 15–30 minutes.
• Comprehensive Testing- 2–6 hours, possibly spread across multiple sessions.

6. What is the process for psychological testing?

• Initial Interview- Gathering background information and setting testing goals.
• Testing Session(s)- Administering various tests in a controlled setting.
• Scoring and Interpretation- The psychologist analyzes results to draw conclusions.
• Feedback Session- Sharing results, insights, and recommendations.

7. Are the results confidential?

Yes, test results are confidential and shared only with individuals you authorize, except in cases where disclosure is required by law (e.g., risk of harm).