Psychological Testing
What is psychological testing?
Psychological testing is a broad term used to identify measures that help assess people across a variety of domains such as one’s emotional or intellectual functioning.
Psychological tests are most commonly administered and interpreted by a psychologist who has earned a doctoral degree. Typically the use of psychological testing is
comprised of a battery of several different tests which is determined by the psychologist and varies depending on the problem or questions to be answered. Prior to any testing, Dr. Simon will conduct a comprehensive interview to assist with this process.
Psychological testing or assessment provides objective information and has many goals. These goals can be to help clarify a diagnosis, determine the severity of a problem, screen for risks for future problems, make predictions of future behaviors, and aid in treatment recommendations. This in part occurs because a person’s response patterns are compared to others who are known to have certain traits or disorders. The information gained is powerful and can lead to a more accurate clinical picture and the potential creation of special accommodations.
Psychological tests are most commonly administered and interpreted by a psychologist who has earned a doctoral degree. Typically the use of psychological testing is
comprised of a battery of several different tests which is determined by the psychologist and varies depending on the problem or questions to be answered. Prior to any testing, Dr. Simon will conduct a comprehensive interview to assist with this process.
Psychological testing or assessment provides objective information and has many goals. These goals can be to help clarify a diagnosis, determine the severity of a problem, screen for risks for future problems, make predictions of future behaviors, and aid in treatment recommendations. This in part occurs because a person’s response patterns are compared to others who are known to have certain traits or disorders. The information gained is powerful and can lead to a more accurate clinical picture and the potential creation of special accommodations.
Also, Dr. Simon’s unique background in psychopharmacology can assist with recommending specific medications should this type of intervention be required.
What makes a good Test?
Reliability
a measure of the test’s consistency.
Validity
a measure of a test’s usefulness. Scores on the test should be related to some other behavior, reflective of personality, ability, or interest.
Standardization
the process of trying out the test on a group of people to see the scores which are typically obtained.
Objective Vs. Projective Tests
Objective Tests
Objective Tests are psychological tests that measure an individual’s characteristics in a way that is independent of rater bias or the individual’s own beliefs. Objective tests are often contrasted with subjective tests which are sensitive to rater or examinee beliefs. They can also be contrasted with projective tests which are based on Freudian Psychology (Psychoanalysis) , and seek to expose the unconscious perceptions of people. Objective tests tend to be more reliable and valid than projective or subjective tests.
Projective Tests
A projective test, in psychology, is a personality test designed to allow a person to respond to ambiguous stimuli, presumably revealing hidden emotions and internal conflicts. This is different from an “objective test” in which responses are analyzed according to a universal standard (for example, a multiple choice exam) rather than an individual’s judgment. The best known projective test is the Rorschach inkblot test in which a patient is shown an irregular spot of ink and asked to explain what they see.