Psychological Assessment, Diagnostic Testing and Interview Competencies (CLN502)

The aim of this unit is for students to develop an understanding of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning test construction, implementation, and interpretation. This unit focuses on a selection of psychological assessment methods commonly administered by psychologists in professional settings. The unit applies a biopsychosocial model as a basis for psychological conceptualisation and formulation.  The unit provides practical experience in the selection of assessments; and in the administration, scoring, interpretation, and reporting of formal psychometric instruments. The formal tests studied and administered include measures of intelligence, cognition, perceptual-motor skills, attention, concentration and memory, literacy and verbal skills, nonverbal reasoning, vocational abilities, and specific measures of neurological functioning. The psychometrics of testing, including reliability and validity, will be considered, as will the skills required to report on the results of assessments in written and oral form. The pros and cons of intellectual and other assessments will be considered.  The ethics involved in the use and interpretation of psychological tests and test scores will also be a considered.  The knowledge to write professional assessment reports will be a central focus of the course as will be the ability to correctly administer, score, and interpret the Wechsler Scales.