Psychometric assessment An unending journey to self development Sindhu P Aravindakshan.

Psychometric assessment

An unending journey to self development

Sindhu P Aravindakshan

What’s ahead… Introduction Types of Psychological Tests Student Assessment Why use Psychological tests How to choose a test Your role in Testing Benefits of testing Merits and Demerits Ethics in testing Certifying bodies

What are Psychometric Tests?

Psychometric tests are tools for measuring the mind (‘metric’ = measure; ‘psycho’ = mind).

Psychometric testing provides an

objective summary of an individual's abilities, behavioral style and cultural fit and is an excellent predictor of performance.

If individuals didn’t vary the need for Psychometric would have never

existed.

Types Of Psychological Tests

Achievement and aptitude tests

Intelligence tests Neuropsychological tests Occupational tests Personality tests Specific clinical tests

Student Assessment

Psychological Assessment (conducted by a school psychologist) - This evaluation may include cognitive assessments, - Assess

Intellectual abilities emotional and behavioral

concerns- Assess emotional and behavioral through observations and interviews

adaptive functioning – self help skills

Why use Psychological Tests It’s easier to get information

from tests than by clinical interview.

The information from tests is more scientifically consistent than the information from a clinical interview.

It’s harder to get away with lying on a test than in a clinical interview.

To help students maximize their education, make the right course choices and get into the right universities

How to choose a Test?

The overall problem with psychological tests concerns their ability to measure what they are supposed to measure.

The accuracy, or usefulness, of a test is known as its validity

The ability of a test to give consistent results is known as its reliability.

Note that without reliability, there can be no validity.

Your Role in Student Assessment Before starting an assessment the principal or

a nominated teacher should arrange a personal

interview with both parents and/or legal

guardians.

The reasons for the assessment should be

discussed and the consent form to signed

Psychologists who carry out assessments under

this scheme are required to meet the parents.

Your Role in Student Assessment

Assessments must be done only in a proctored

environment

And also explain the findings to the parents

and give them a copy of the psychological

report.

Select a tool after identifying the need.

Cultural sensitivity is critical

Never translate a tool if not understood, its

better not to answer than misinterpret. Find an

alternative if need be

Benefits of Psychological Tests

assess potential academic results

increase the success of your students

improve engagement with school and motivation

know your students better enhance the quality of your

students’ destinations gain value added support for

your college and university applications

Merits & DemeritsMERITS

1. Helps draw up a comprehensive Behavioral profile

2. Gives deeper understanding of ones strengths and areas of development

3. Can be successfully utilized for career development

DEMERITS

Psychological testing has its limitation depending on the type of assessment

Results are open to interpretation rather than conclusive

Should never be used as a stand-alone technique

Is dynamic based on the emotional state of the person

Ethics of psychometrics

Psychological tests are usually administered and interpreted by a psychologist

A counselor who has had the appropriate academic courses and supervision may administer achievement and aptitude tests

Explain the purpose of the test Explain the rationale and name of

the test Maintain confidentiality/ privacy Interpret and handover a copy of

the report

Ethics of psychometrics contd.

Make sure the environment is conducive, calm and appropriate for testing

Making sure that the emotional state of the person undergoing the test is right for the test

Ensure that a discussion follows the assessment

Certifying Bodies

Code of Fair Testing Practices in Education ( Code ) is a guide for professionals in fulfilling their obligation to provide and use tests that are fair to all test takers - APA

Level A and Level B are the two principal stages of training in the certification system for psychometric test training set up by the British Psychological Society.

Questions?

Thank you

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