Chapter 15 - Testing Psychology McGonigle

Use of Tests Psychological Tests – can help people make decisions (Binet & Wechsler) Placement tests- Can indicate what line of work you are suitable for. Others project success in college – SAT, ACT..

Behavior Tests Some tests measure behavior directly. Behavior Rating scales- may measure behavior in places like classrooms or hospitals. Observers – may count how often a child raises their hand in class. Most tests rely on self reports about attitudes, feelings, and behavior.

Features of Psych & Standardized Tests Standardized test- Administered and scored the same way every time. Wechsler & Stanford – are given individually. SAT & ACT – all students in US are given the test in the same way, no differences.

Reliability & Validity of Standardized Tests Reliability = Consistency A person’s score on the test should be about the same every time he/she takes the test. Validity- Is the test measuring what it is supposed to measure? Does it predict what it is supposed to predict?

Validity Scales Involve questions that if answered in a certain way, let the psychologist know that the test taker is not being honest. Questions should follow a pattern, and questions are interlocking. (related) If answers don’t follow a certain pattern, the test taker is probably being dishonest.

Norms Psychological Tests are scored by comparing one’s score to the norm. Norms- are established standards of performance. They tell test administrators- which scores are average, high or low.

Norm Group Administer a test to a large group of people who are similar to those for whom the test is intended. (Iowa/ California) The Iowa Test and the California Test are given to elementary & middle school students throughout the country. The 3 rd graders in Massachusetts are a norm group for all other 3 rd graders in the US being assessed in reading.

Achievement Tests Measure people’s skills and the knowledge they have in specific academic areas. Many students will take an achievement test or SAT 2 at the end of the school year after mastering skills like a foreign language.

Aptitude Tests Aptitude tests measure more specific abilities than intelligence tests, but broader than achievement tests. Generally are used to determine whether a person is likely to do well in a given field of work or study.

Aptitude vs. Achievement Aptitude- intended to measure potential for learning in a specific area. Given to a person before he/she has had any training in a specific area. Used to predict how well he/she will do after receiving training

Achievement SAT 2 is given in specific languages such as French & Spanish. Ability to do well depends on achievements in foreign languages such as these. Since achievement & aptitude play a role in SAT, many now refer to it as the Scholastic Assessment Test.

MMPI Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory Most widely used in clinical work. Clinical & Counseling psychologists work together to help diagnose psychological problems in people.

FINAL 50 T/F 124 MC 6 Short Answer Question (2-3 sentences) 2 Essay ( 1/2) (1/2)

ERIKSON p. 262 ID CRISIS ID MORATORIUM ID FORECLOSURE ID DIFFUSION ID ACHIEVEMENT

Will- what page are Erikson’s stages on? 262

Ordinary People Calvin (dad) Beth (mom) Conrad ( son) Buck (deceased)