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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.
