This topic provides an overview of what psychological assessment is, its purpose, principles, and the different types of assessments used in psychology.
Introduction to Psychological Assessment
Key concepts, purposes, and basic procedures
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | A systematic, evidence‑based process that uses multiple methods to gather information about an individual’s psychological functioning. |
| Goal | To understand strengths, weaknesses, diagnoses, and needs in order to guide treatment, education, employment, or legal decisions. |
| Scope | Cognitive abilities, personality, emotional functioning, neuropsychological status, and specific symptom clusters. |
| Purpose | Typical Settings | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic clarification | Clinics, hospitals | Differentiating major depressive disorder from bipolar disorder. |
| Treatment planning & monitoring | Outpatient therapy, rehab centers | Selecting appropriate CBT interventions; measuring progress over time. |
| Educational placement | Schools, special‑education programs | Determining eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP). |
| Forensic evaluation | Courts, correctional facilities | Assessing competency to stand trial or risk of re‑offending. |
| Occupational selection | Corporate HR, military | Evaluating suitability for high‑stress roles or leadership positions. |
Clinical Interview
Behavioral Observation
Psychometric Testing
Collateral Information
Performance‑Based Measures (when appropriate)
| Step | Action | What to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Referral & Clarify Question(s) | Identify why the assessment is needed. | Align methods with the referral question. |
| 2. Informed Consent | Explain purpose, procedures, risks, confidentiality. | Obtain written consent; discuss limits of confidentiality. |
| 3. Record Review | Gather previous evaluations, medical history, school/work records. | Look for patterns, previous diagnoses, medication effects. |
| 4. Selection of Instruments | Choose tests with strong reliability, validity, and cultural fairness for the client. | Consider age, language, education, and presenting problems. |
| 5. Administration | Conduct interviews and testing according to standardized protocols. | Maintain consistent testing environment; monitor fatigue. |
| 6. Scoring & Data Reduction | Use manuals or computerized scoring; compute raw, standard, and derived scores. | Double‑check for errors; apply appropriate norms. |
| 7. Interpretation | Integrate scores, observations, and collateral data. | Use a biopsychosocial |