Psychological Testing
Many hold or assume that there is nothing harmful or hurtful about psychological testing. However, that viewpoint is not remotely absolute and the scholarly literature that exists out there describes reasons why testing (or certain forms of testing) are less than wise to use and employ. Two general questions will be answered about the subject. The first question is how tests can be for good and how other tests can be borderline insidious in nature. Whether a test is good, bad or should be eliminated will all be covered. The other question to be answered is whether it is important to know the historical roots of psychological testing. While psychological testing has some outstanding and very effective uses, there are certain times when tests can do more harm than good.
Questions Answered
One example where testing can be a good thing is when there is concern that an adult or child is mentally ill. In that case, there are tests and questions that can be posed to figure out what precisely is ailing someone or if the person just has general self-control issues that can be corrected and shaped. However, some questions about this subject are shades of gray. There are some...
Psychological Testing and Assessment There is a distinct relationship between psychological testing and assessment in conjunction with the DSM-IV. First, testing provides a systematic means of assessments that provide insight into the potential mental complications of a patient. Further, psychological testing provides a means of flexible evaluation which can better conform to the changing needs of the public. By providing flexibility in its approach to assessment, psychological testing can better adapt
The opposing side, which sports a more eclectic set of disciplinary backgrounds and prides itself on a more sophisticated and inclusive perspective, divides human abilities into broad classes -- logical, spatial, interpersonal, verbal, etc. -- and labels each class an "intelligence." The two sides then proceed to talk past each other. (Casse, 1998, p. 33) The resulting controversy then falls back to the idea of socio-cultural differences, and race/gender/culture/environment. (Skidmore
American writers from both the antebellum South and the North commented on the great differences between the white people in the two regions (Ibid; Samuda). Note though, the table data below regarding the percentage of males who completed high school by race, 1940-1980, which will provide data for further discussion regarding utilization of testing to stratify recruits: Table 1 -- Males 18-21 Who Completed High School By Percentile Race 1940 1950 1960 1970 1970 White 40 49 56 68 78 Black 11 18 33 49 60 (Source: Binkin, p.94) How is
Psychological Testing: Establishing Diversity Psychological testing is the backbone of how psychologists are able to gain a higher level of understanding regarding human beings and how/why they act as they do. Good psychological exams can help tremendously in the task of problem-solving and in getting a better snapshot of a person's psychological or mental health issues while identifying strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, a precise psychological exam helps to exam an individual's
socio-cultural issues that have the greatest influence on the administration of psychological testing. One social and legal issue that arisen in the recent literature is the use of psychological testing in conjuncture with genetic testing. Indeed, the article notes that there are ethical challenges and training implications for current and future psychologists in the field. The article notes that modern advances in the field of genome sequencing and genetic
Psychology and Ethics Test Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation Common errors made in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests depends upon adherence to reliable practices and guides. The concepts of reliability and validity are situated within the framework of the tests themselves, which serves to affect the field of psychological testing by supporting it with data culled from participants. These tests, moreover, are formed using principles of psychological testing, such as
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